By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has shut down three resorts operating without permits inside the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).
The DENR said a cease and desist order (CDO) was issued to Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place, and Lihim na Batis, all in Baras, Rizal.
“The three establishments were among nine resorts within the protected landscape previously issued with either a CDO or a Show Cause Order (SCO),” the DENR said in a news release Monday night.
“This physical enforcement was necessary as these were the only resorts found to be continually operating.”
The DENR said the remaining six establishments issued with similar orders have since complied and are no longer in operation.
The agency has also issued over 100 CDOs and SCOs since 2021 against private resorts and other entities encroaching on the protected Marikina Watershed.
Republic Act (RA) 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act maintains that a protected area such as the UMRBPL should be guarded against “destructive human exploitation.”
The UMRBPL is a major source of water for Metro Manila and nearby areas. It was declared a protected landscape in November 2011 under Presidential Proclamation 296, prohibiting the construction and establishment of structures not covered by necessary permits.
The 26,126-hectare UMRBPL covers five municipalities of Rizal—Antipolo, Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay.
Violators may face fines of up to P5 million and may be jailed for up to 12 years.
The DENR assured the public that regular monitoring and stricter enforcement will continue across all protected areas to curb illegal occupation and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. (PNA)
