The armed group from a security agency that occupied a portion of the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal has left the area almost a week after they allegedly encamped within the protected site.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. conducted an inspection with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Public Ways and Highways on Friday, Sept. 23.
“Kaninang umaga po nagboluntaryo po silang (security group) umalis. Nalaman po nila ‘yung sitwasyon at ayon sa kanila nagtatrabaho lang sila, ayaw nila ng kaguluan kaya nag-boluntaryo po silang umalis na,” Tanay PNP Officer-in-Charge LtCol. Rodolfo Santiago II said.
Abalos said he has already ordered an investigation on Sinagtala Security Agency, and a letter has been sent to the firm.
“You cannot deploy in areas na kung merong conflict of claims without the permission of the police. Bakit? It will create tension,” he said.
The DILG chief then ordered that entry of armed groups in Masungi Georeserve is prohibited while the DENR resolved the claims in the area. The PNP announced that it will make a permanent detachment there.
“I think it’s time we place things in proper order. Walang pwedeng papasok dito whether claimant, whether, magke-claim dahil this is a protected area,” PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said.
Meanwhile, Masungi Georeserve Foundation President Ben Dumaliang called on the government to act on the matter as he lamented the alleged slow action of the DENR as well as on the review of their memorandum of agreement.
“It’s time government acts. So much has been lost and our lives in danger. Lives ng mga ranger ‘yun ang worry ko gabi-gabi hindi kami makatulog dito,” Dumaliang said.
The DENR, in response, said there is a right process on reviewing claims despite Masungi Georeserve being a protected area.
“Kumplikado po talaga istorya nito maraming claimants.. sa Marikina watershed at Kaliwa watershed. Kaya ngayon po bigyan niyo lang kami ng kaunting pagkakataon. Nirereview po natin lahat claims kahit existing tenured instrument nirereview din natin. Gagawin natin ang pag-re-review naaayon sa batas,” DENR USec. Jonas Leones said.
“Even the national integrated protected system law respects prior rights. That’s why we cannot avoid that there are claimants because there are prior rights,” DENR Calabarzon Director Nilo Tamoria said.—Report from Patrick de Jesus/KC-ag
