An inland resort within the Mt. Apo Natural Park in Barangay Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is facing charges for allegedly building structures within a protected area without a permit.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (DENR-11) filed the complaint before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Digos City.

DENR-11 accused the resort of violating the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 11038), particularly the provision that prohibits the construction, erection, or maintenance of any structure within a protected area without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and a permit from DENR.

DENR-11 added that the resort also allegedly violated another provision of RA 11038 by constructing permanent structures within the 40-meter easement from the high-water mark of the Langan River.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao del Sur, the Mt. Apo Natural Park-Protected Area Management Office (MANP-PAMO), and DENR-11 are working closely to build strong cases against alleged violators.

DENR-11 also said six more resorts operating in the area are expected to face similar complaints. The cases are being finalized.

DENR-11 said the legal actions stemmed from the continued non-compliance of resort operators who allegedly ignored notices of violation and cease and desist orders issued since 2024.

“Despite these directives, the operators reportedly continued their operations and failed to voluntarily dismantle their illegal structures,” DENR-11 said.

DENR-11 maintained that Mt. Apo Natural Park is a protected heritage that must be preserved.

“Through due process, the agency assures that violators will be held accountable and that environmental justice will be served,” DENR-11 added.