CEBU, Philippines – Vlogger Renmark Nisnisan, also known as “Ren The Adventurer,” posted what seemed to be an innocent travel video of a resort built in the middle of three Chocolate Hills on Wednesday, March 6.

The video, which the resort’s property owner, Edgar Buton, thanked the vlogger for, exploded with numerous remarks from netizens all over the country who were enraged by the apparent encroachment of the structures on the country’s national treasure.

As of Monday, March 18, the video posted on social media platform Facebook has over 16 million views, 58,000 comments, and over 413,000 reactions. At least 173,000 of the total reactions are “angry”.

The controversy eventually caught the attention of public officials in both the local and national levels. On March 13, Senator Nancy Binay filed Philippine Senate (PS) Resolution No. 967 seeking a probe, in aid of legislation, into the construction of all structures within the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills.

How did a small resort cause a nation-wide investigation of this scale? Here’s a timeline of the events leading up to the resort’s closure.

December 3, 2007

Transfer Certificate Title No. 37139 officially declares Edgar Buton the owner of a parcel of land with Lot No. 3555, CAD 959-D, Case No. 10, situated in the Barrio of Canmano, Municipality of Sagbayan, Bohol.

The document states that the original owner of the land was a member of the Amores clan that was granted the lot on August 14, 1996.

Through the years, the land would be used by Buton’s family as a private recreation area and a camping ground for close friends and travelers passing by their residence.

February 15, 2018

Local officials of Barangay Canmano, including tourism officer Perfecto Bambe, and Buton’s sister, Julieta Sablas, attend a special meeting of the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument (CHNM)-Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) at Reyna’s the Haven and Gardens in Tagbilaran City to discuss the proposal to build the Captain’s Peak Garden Eco-Park.

The proposed project includes the establishment of a function hall, landmark, photo booth, swimming pool, cottages, zip line, shower and dressing room, parking area, coconut garden, flower garden, and water fountain.

Officials, through PAMB Resolution No. 1, s. 2018, resolve to endorse the proposal under the following conditions:

1. No structures to be erected at the top of the hill, aside from two existing tree houses.

2. Function hall and all other infrastructure should be erected and/or constructed within the 20% area from the base of the hill, which is considered the multiple use zone, following sustainable infrastructure design – in accordance with the guidelines set by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2009-09.

3. The proposed zip line which will be constructed from the top of the hill going to the swimming pool is not allowed.

4. Color should blend with the color of the environment and the style of the building should go with the slope and terrain of the hill or formation of the hill.

5. The hill should not be altered nor be defaced, and extraction is strictly prohibited.

6. The proponent should secure pertinent permits from other offices as required, including the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

7. The proponent will set aside the corresponding royalty fee of P2 per guest to the PAMB.

DENR Central Visayas Director Gilbert Gonzales III signs the resolution as chairman of the PAMB, signifying the government agency’s approval of the project.