For divers and freedivers worldwide, Napaling Point in Panglao, Bohol, is a place of magic. It’s home to the legendary "sardine storm," a swirling, silver cloud of millions of fish so dense it can block out the sun. It’s a place of vibrant life, accessible right from the shore. But on November 1, 2025, the diving community was heartbroken by a discovery that was the very antithesis of this natural wonder: an act of senseless vandalism.
During a morning dive, a visitor found the words "Just Dive" etched deep into a large, living table coral. The diver immediately documented the damage and reported it to the authorities. The incident has since sparked outrage, a swift official response, and a painful but necessary conversation about our role as guardians of the ocean.
This isn't just graffiti. It's the defacement of a living creature, and it’s a wake-up call we all need to hear.
The Incident: A "Deeply Distressing" Act
The evidence, captured on video, was shared by Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who called the act "deeply distressing" and a direct threat to Bohol's priceless marine heritage. The phrase, carved into a live Acropora table coral, is a stark and ugly scar on an animal that may have taken decades to grow.
This act of vandalism is not just an insult to the local community that depends on this ecosystem; it's an attack on the very lifeblood of the ocean. The irony of the words "Just Dive" being used to kill the very thing we seek to experience is lost on no one.
Why This Is Not Just "Graffiti"
To the untrained eye, coral can look like rock. But it is a fragile colony of living animals. Here’s why this act is so devastating:
- It's a Kill Shot: Carving into coral tissue strips away its protective layers, exposing the colony to fatal infections and disease.
- Decades of Growth, Gone in Minutes: Table corals like the one defaced are notoriously slow-growing, expanding at perhaps 5-10 cm per year. The vandal destroyed decades of natural growth in a few selfish moments.
- Habitat Destruction: That single coral is a complex micro-habitat, providing essential food and shelter for the reef fish, invertebrates, and juvenile creatures that make Napaling Point so vibrant.
- An Economic Threat: Napaling's fame—its sardine run, turtles, and jackfish—is entirely dependent on a healthy reef. Bohol attracts over a million visitors annually, many for its dive sites. This vandalism directly threatens the livelihoods of local guides, boat operators, and businesses.
An Alarming Pattern: Bohol's Fight to Protect Its "Crown Jewels"
Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. It's part of an alarming trend of environmental abuse in the region, a direct consequence of irresponsible tourism.
In August 2024, similar graffiti and coral trampling were discovered at the Estaca snorkeling area near Virgin Island, also in Panglao. The damage was so severe that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had to close the island completely for an entire year of rehabilitation. It only reopened in October 2025 with strict new guidelines, including mandatory eco-briefings for all visitors.
This pattern highlights a critical conflict: the boom in tourism versus the fragility of the ecosystems that attract visitors in the first place.
The Official Response: Swift Action and a Search for Accountability
The response from local authorities has been swift and decisive. Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay immediately ordered the temporary closure of the specific affected dive zone at Napaling Point. Marine markers have been installed to delineate the restricted spot for assessment and, hopefully, restoration.
It's important to note that other water activities in the Napaling-Tangnan area, including the sardine run, remain open. This targeted closure aims to protect the damaged coral while minimizing impact on responsible local tourism.
A multi-agency investigation is now underway, involving the DENR, Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Coast Guard. The hunt is on for the perpetrators, who face severe penalties under Philippine law.
Under Republic Act No. 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code), damaging coral reefs is a serious crime. Those found guilty can face fines up to PHP 500,000 (nearly $10,000 USD) and imprisonment.
Our Responsibility: How We "Just Dive" the Right Way
This incident must serve as a painful lesson for the entire diving community. The privilege of entering the underwater world comes with a profound responsibility. The ethos of "Just Dive" shouldn't be a destructive command; it should be a commitment to responsible, low-impact exploration.
It all comes down to the simple, golden rule of eco-tourism: "Leave No Trace." For divers, this means:
- Master Your Buoyancy: This is the #1 skill. Never stand on, rest on, or kick the reef. Stay neutral and aware of your fins.
- Secure Your Gear: Ensure your octopus, SPG, and any other gear are clipped securely to your BCD, not dangling and dragging across the reef.
- A Strict No-Touch Policy: Never touch, poke, or handle marine life. This includes coral, turtles, and fish. Your touch can stress animals and rub off their protective slime coats.
- Don't Chase or Feed Wildlife: Observe animals from a respectful distance. Chasing them causes stress and can disrupt natural behaviors.
- Take Only Photos, Leave Only Bubbles: The only thing you should ever take from a reef is a memory (or a photo). The only thing you should leave is... nothing.
Document, Don't Destroy: The Power of Responsible Underwater Storytelling
The desire to capture and share the beauty of the underwater world is what drives many of us. But there is a right way and a wrong way. Instead of carving a fleeting, destructive message, we can create lasting, beautiful images that inspire protection.
This is where modern technology empowers us to be better ocean ambassadors. Using a secure, high-quality underwater smartphone housing, like the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max, allows you to capture stunning, high-definition photos and videos without ever needing to touch the reef. You can get professional-grade shots with the device you already own, sharing the wonder of the ocean in a way that encourages conservation, not destruction.
Share your photos. Share your videos. Tell the story of the reef. That is how you leave a real, positive mark on the world.
The Path Forward for Napaling Point
The investigation in Bohol continues. The local community, operators, and divers around the world are watching, demanding accountability. The Virgin Island case showed us that recovery is possible, but it requires strict management, community buy-in, and, most importantly, a fundamental shift in tourist education and behavior.
Let this shameful act be a catalyst for that change. Let's reclaim the phrase "Just Dive" and turn it into a promise: a promise to explore with respect, to document with care, and to protect the fragile blue world that gives us all so much.
Sources
For further reading and official reports on this incident (links live as of Nov 6, 2025):
- Bohol Provincial Government (Official FB): Governor’s original post with the diver’s video.
- Philippine Daily Inquirer: Full English article, quotes Mayor Arcay and DENR.
- Manila Bulletin: Includes penalty table under RA 8550.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 7: Official press release + satellite map of the closed zone.
- Panglao Municipal Tourism Office: One-page PDF with buoy coordinates and “no-touch” rules.
- GMA News Online: 60-second TV report embedded (English subtitles).
- Rappler: Timeline comparing 2024 Virgin Island case vs. 2025 Napaling.
- Cebu Daily News: Clarifies only the table-coral patch is roped off; sardine area remains diveable.
