T’BOLI, South Cotabato (October 30, 2025) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Region 12 (DENR-12), through the Protected Area Management Office of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PAMO-AVPL), has issued a Notice of Violation and Show Cause Order against the organizers of the “Holonman Aquathlon 2025” for conducting an unauthorized sporting event inside the protected area of Lake Holon in Mt. Melibengoy, Barangay Salacafe, T’boli, South Cotabato.
The event, organized by Body Kinetix Event Services and Management in coordination with the Municipal Government of T’boli, featured swimming and trail running activities within the Lake Holon campsite on October 26. However, the DENR found that the activity was held without the required clearance from the Protected Area Management Board of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PAMB-AVPL).
Photos and videos of the event that circulated on social media sparked public outcry, with netizens and environmental advocates questioning its legality and the possible ecological disturbance caused to the lake—one of Mindanao’s most ecologically sensitive natural treasures.
In response, PAMO-AVPL issued a Notice of Violation and Show Cause Order dated October 28, 2025, addressed to Mr. Esteban T. Co Jr. of Body Kinetix Event Services and Management. A formal communication was also sent to the Municipal Government of T’boli, seeking clarification on how the event was permitted to proceed despite the absence of a PAMB-issued clearance.
A technical conference was scheduled today, October 30, with representatives from the event organizer and the T’boli local government unit expected to attend. The meeting aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the violation, collect explanations from involved parties, and determine proper administrative or legal actions under existing environmental laws.
Authorities emphasized that the incident underscores the need for strict coordination and adherence to environmental regulations, especially for activities held within protected areas. The DENR reminded local governments and private entities that any event conducted within protected landscapes must secure prior approval from the PAMB to ensure environmental safeguards and compliance with conservation policies.
Under Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, conducting any activity within a protected area without proper authorization is prohibited and may be subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of operations, or other legal sanctions.
The DENR assured that investigation and coordination efforts are ongoing to determine accountability and prevent similar violations in the future.