Another coral vandalism in Panglao probed
TAGBILARAN CITY—Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado on Friday has ordered an immediate investigation into a new case of coral vandalism discovered off Panglao Island, one of the province’s prime diving destinations.
On Friday morning, a diver found a table coral etched with the words “Just Dive” in the reef off Napaling Point in Barangay Tangnan, a popular dive site in Panglao.
The diver immediately reported their discovery, along with videos and photos of the defaced coral, to a staff of the governor who in turn alerted Aumentado about the incident.
Disheartening
Aumentado condemned the act as “deeply distressing,” saying it not only damages the marine ecosystem but also undermines the province’s tourism industry.
“It’s disheartening that some people seem to take pleasure in destroying our natural resources or sabotaging our tourism,” Aumentado said in a statement.
The governor directed the Panglao municipal government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the province, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Bohol Environment Management Office to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and penalize those responsible.
Aumentado said the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Bohol’s marine resources and preserving the island’s natural beauty, which continues to draw both local and international tourists.
This was not the first time Panglao’s reefs have suffered from human-inflicted damage. In 2024, authorities discovered corals with graffiti at the Estaca snorkeling area near Virgin Island, prompting the site’s closure after confirmation of vandalism.
In January this year, reef rangers also reported damage at the Napaling dive site caused by irresponsible divers who stepped on live corals.
