DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao Region has filed a formal complaint against an inland resort operating inside Mt. Apo Natural Park in Barangay Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, for allegedly violating provisions of the Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (Expanded NIPAS) Act of 2018.
The complaint was lodged before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Digos City, citing the resort operator for constructing and maintaining structures within the protected area without the required permits and clearances.
Violations of environmental protection law
According to the DENR, the resort allegedly violated Section 18(o) of the Expanded NIPAS Act, which prohibits the construction, erection, or maintenance of any structure within a protected area without prior clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and a permit from the DENR.
Authorities also cited a violation of Section 18(v) of the same law after investigators discovered that the resort had constructed permanent structures within the 40-meter easement from the high-water mark of the Langan River, an area that must remain free from development to protect waterways and surrounding ecosystems.
More resorts under investigation
Environmental officials disclosed that the case against the inland resort may only be the beginning, as six additional resorts located within the same area are also expected to face similar legal complaints.
The DENR Region XI, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao del Sur and the Mt. Apo Natural Park–Protected Area Management Office (MANP-PAMO), are currently coordinating with regional and provincial prosecutors to finalize the legal documents needed to pursue charges against the other establishments.
Authorities said the cases are now in the final stage of preparation before they are formally submitted to prosecutors.
Operators allegedly ignored government orders
The legal action comes after years of enforcement efforts by environmental authorities.
According to the DENR, the resort operators had continued operating despite receiving Notices of Violation and Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) issued as early as 2024.
Officials said the establishments allegedly failed to voluntarily dismantle their illegal structures and disregarded directives ordering them to stop operations within the protected area.
Protecting Mt. Apo Natural Park
DENR officials stressed that Mt. Apo Natural Park is a critical protected landscape and biodiversity sanctuary that must be safeguarded from unauthorized development and environmental degradation.
The agency emphasized that strict enforcement of environmental laws is necessary to ensure the long-term protection of the park’s forests, rivers, and wildlife.
“Mt. Apo Natural Park is a protected heritage that must be preserved,” the DENR said, adding that the agency is committed to pursuing due process while holding violators accountable under environmental laws.
Authorities assured the public that through coordinated legal action, environmental justice will be pursued and protection measures for the country’s highest peak and its surrounding ecosystems will be strengthened.