The owner of a dive shop in Panglao, Bohol has denied vandalizing corals in municipal waters that prompted a government investigation and temporary closure order.
Anna Liza Estologa-Song, proprietor of Just Dive Bohol Dive Shop, sent a letter to Panglao Mayor Edgardo F. Arcay dated Oct. 29, asking authorities to investigate the incident and clear her establishment’s name.
“We would like to ask a favor in your good office to please investigate (as to who) put my establishment’s name JUST DIVE BOHOL DIVE SHOP,” Song wrote in the letter obtained by media.
According to the letter, the Municipal Environment of Natural Resources Office requested to inspect Song’s business.
Song said her establishment’s clean nine-year track record in the diving industry speaks for itself.
“We have been to this industry for Nine Years and we know the rules and regulations for diving and snorkeling activities,” she wrote.
The dive shop owner maintained that her business has been diligent in protecting marine resources.
“We are doing the business for so long and no single violation was made in our part, as one of the pioneering member of the dive shop business industry and advocate to maintain a clean and healthy environment especially coral reefs we strictly advise and implement to all my guests, staff and business divers not to do anything,” Song said.
Song acknowledged that the incident has affected her business operations.
“We, the management of Just Dive Bohol Dive Shop will cooperate in your investigation and allow us also to conduct of our own,” she wrote.
The letter also stated that the dive shop had no reservation on Oct. 27, 2025, the Monday when the incident allegedly occurred, with guests scheduled to arrive in Balicasag Island instead of Napaling.
Mayor Arcay responded with a strongly worded statement issued Oct. 31, 2025 condemning what he called “a serious violation of environmental laws.”
“The incident, where words were carved or written onto living coral, constitutes a serious violation of environmental laws and causes direct harm to the marine ecosystem,” the mayor’s statement read.
“Such actions are punishable under Republic Act No. 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by R.A. 10654) and related local environmental ordinances protecting Panglao’s marine resources.”
In response to the incident, Arcay ordered an immediate investigation and directed the temporary closure of the affected dive site “to allow for full assessment and rehabilitation of the damaged area.”
The Municipal Government is coordinating closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard and local dive operators “to determine accountability and ensure coral restoration,” according to the statement.
“Our coral reefs are not mere tourist attractions – they are living ecosystems that sustain our tourism, fisheries, and the livelihood of our people. We will not tolerate any act that endangers them,” Arcay said.
The mayor’s office reminded all divers, tourists and dive operators that damaging or defacing corals is a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.
“Panglao remains firm in its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, urging everyone to help protect and respect the natural beauty and biodiversity of its marine environment,” the statement concluded.