Former Mambukal Resort OIC Suspended for 6 Months Without Pay Due to Neglect of Duty
Former Mambukal Resort OIC along with four other officials, has been suspended for six months without pay.
The former Officer-in-Charge of Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, Cheryl Decena and four other officials, has been suspended for six months without pay due to neglect of duty. The decision came after a year-long investigation into unaccounted income from the resort’s operations.
Aside from Decena, Mark Dela Cruz, who served as storekeeper and disbursing officer, Ester Jane Ignacio, disbursing officer, Alfredo Tolosa III, disbursing officer, and April Love Wee, Recreation and Welfare Services Officer II and overall operations-in-charge of the sanctuary were also suspended.
According to Negros Occidental Legal Office Head Atty. Alberto Nillas Jr., the officials had previously been issued a show cause order regarding the unaccounted funds from the resort.
The review and verification of the financial records took time, and after due process, the investigation concluded that there had been lapses in their duties.
The provincial government decided to impose a six-month suspension without pay as a disciplinary measure. The order was approved by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and took effect on October 21, 2025.
The suspension reminds public servants to remain transparent and accountable in managing government resources. It also emphasizes the importance of properly handling public funds, especially in establishments like Mambukal Resort, which serves both as a tourist destination and an income-generating property for the province.
While the suspended officials have yet to comment publicly, the local government assured that operations at Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary will continue smoothly under new supervision.
The province remains committed to promoting good governance and ensuring that all employees uphold the trust placed in them by the people of Negros Occidental.
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