Bohol's Virgin Island temporarily closed starting Sept. 9
The Virgin Island in Bohol will be temporarily closed to tourists starting Monday, Sept 9 until further notice.
The temporary closure was ordered by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) headed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Please be advised that Puntod Island, also known as Virgin Island, and its surrounding waters will be temporarily closed starting September 9 until further notice,” the Provincial Government of Bohol wrote in a recent advisory.
It added that all water-based activities are prohibited except gleaning boat passage to Balicasag Island, and Fishcage operations of Danao United Fishermen's Association (DUFA) operating within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS).
The decision is in accordance with the provincial government and PAMB’s agreement to rehabilitate the island following the viral video of a man vandalizing a coral reef, as captured in a vlog.
ICYMI, Bohol governor Aris Aumentado on Sept. 4 offered a P200,000 cash reward to anyone who can give leads to the identity of a boatman or guide seen vandalizing in the video.
In an updated post, Aumentado said that they now have information on the person responsible, and assured the public that they will conduct a proper investigation.
On Monday, Sept. 9, the governor shared some photos of the island now with signages about the closure, also praising DENR employees for diligently safeguarding the island to make sure there are no visitors during the closure.
“Patuloy nating bantayan at palagi nating protektahan ang ating kalikasan,” Aumentado said in a social media post.