The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort Bohol is temporarily closed in compliance with the directives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for "maintenance and environmental preservation efforts."

In an advisory released Wednesday night, the resort said the closure will give them time to implement “various eco-friendly initiative to further enhance the sustainability of our resort.”

“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” wrote their advisory.

Manager of controversial Chocolate Hills resort admits not being able to acquire environment certificate; workers prepare for jobless days ahead

Resort management earlier said they protected the tourist site, which is a designated UNESCO Geopark, despite their construction of a swimming pool at the foot of one of the hills. The resort said it sought approval from various agencies including the Protected Area Management Board which is regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Video of the resort went viral for constructing a pool in the middle of the Chocolate Hills.

For his part, Governor Aris Aumentado said the problem was already there before he assumed as governor.

He said the provincial government made its investigations and recommendations after the issue came to light last September.

Now that the issue has resurfaced, Aumentado said his office is coordinating once again with the DENR and the local government.

“Nakita ni DENR RD nga way ECC mo issue sila og cease and desist order. Private titled iyang property,” said Aumentado in an interview with Cebu Media.

(DENR Regional Director saw that it has no ECC so they will issue a cease and desist order. The property is privately titled.)

He noted the local government of Sagbayan gave the approval for the construction since such requests from private lot owners do not reach his office.

“Matod sa LGU, ga tuo sila nga okay na. Giadto na, okay na,” added Aumentado.

(According to the LGU, they thought it was already okay. They went and it was already okay.)

Aumentado said they are mulling to create an ordinance for “safety nets” towards PAMB’s approval whenever lot owners go to their office.

“Magpataka man gud sila og approve pero dili familiar sa environment issue,” Aumentado further said.

(They will just approve but are not familiar with the environment issue.)

They will also create a group that will review all requests approved by PAMB.

The governor said the construction at the foot of the Chocolate Hills is an "isolated case" and invited tourists to visit other attractions in their province.