On Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan issued the closure order against the resort, which is owned by Jeanny Luz Kim, in relation to the reclamation activities at Agus Cove and for operating a business without securing the necessary permits.
“We received reports that you are operating a business and conducting reclamation activities for the construction of beach resort in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, resulting to closure of a portion of the Agus Cove,” read the closure order.
“After investigation it was found out that the reclamation activities and operation of business is being conducted without the necessary permits such as permit from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), business permit, building permit and locational clearance,” it added.
Mark Anthony Bautista, Lapu-Lapu City public information officer, said Thursday, Feb. 2, that the mayor, however, did not give an order to conduct demolition in the area even Kim as put up structures there such as cottages for rent, a store and a comfort room.
Bautista added that Kim has yet to appear before Chan to discuss the matter, though she had expressed her intent to visit the mayor’s office soon.
The closure order was served after Chan, along with City Attorney James Allan Sayson and Agus Barangay Captain Jimboy Igot, went to the area to inspect the site on the same day after the City Mayor’s Office received several complaints from fishermen about the resort’s illegal operations.
Since the area is now fully fenced, fishermen reported to Chan that they would have to pay a fee in order to enter or pass through in one of the city’s most guarded areas.
Chan spoke with the claimant on the phone during their inspection but the latter failed to show any document that would allow them to do any operation in the area, such as a foreshore lease, building permit, PRA permit and a business permit.
Home to a nearby marine sanctuary, Agus Cove is protected by the city government and served as convenient access route for fishermen.
The mayor said there were claimants who also attempted to reclaim Agus Cove before but failed to gain ownership of the public land owned by the government.