Five resorts in Pasacao, Camarines Sur are at risk of closure for lack of business permits, according to the local government.

The resorts have allegedly been operating without proper permits for two to three years.

Authorities said the resorts are located in designated salvage zones declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"Actually, mayo talaga sinda ning permit kasi itong lugar na piglaagan kan saindang facility, salvage zone as declared by the DENR. Poon kaidto, dae man sinda nakakakua ning business permit," Noel Ciudadano, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) of Pasacao, said.

The areas are also affected by road widening and easement issues from the shoreline.

"Late last year, nakapag-conduct kami ning dialogue with them together with DPWH and DENR, I think na itong lugar ninda is no longer valid for operation sa resort kasi maapektohan sinda kasi road widening tapos at the same time, ‘yung easement from the shoreline, masasakop sinda," Gladys Tipanero, a tourism officer of Pasacao, said.

During consultations, it was agreed that the resorts should undergo self-demolition.

The government will reportedly not provide assistance, as the resorts never had permits.

The areas affected were also intended initially for fishing and recreational purposes.

"Subject lang iyan for fishing and recreational. Ang nagin panalmingan mi kaito ining mga dati digdi. Nahiling mi kapag may calamity, yaun sinda sa marine zone, talagang sinda, saro pa ining kalinigan,” Barangay Caranan Councilman Eusebio Cadag Jr., said.

One of the resort owners, Arvin Ocfemia, is willing to comply with regulations and pay the fees required to continue operating.

"Dakulang tabang ini samuya ining beach na arog kaini. Arog sakuya may college ako, gusto ko matawan ako ning permit. Willing man kaming magbayad kung anong kabayadan ang hahagadon, mabayad kami.” he said.

Other resort owners are asking for the local government to consider redirecting the road to avoid removing their cottages.

The MPDC, according to the consultation, said it is not feasible.

"Primero si program [ini] kang DPWH, duman talaga maagi. Kung ma-redirect ka, di maadal [na]naman, ma-survey ang DPWH [ulit]. Then itong aagihan na daga, dapat magtugot man," Ciudadano added.

The road project aims to connect Pasacao to Libmanan and is expected to contribute to the town's tourism development.