Following his visit to the Masungi Georeserve Protected Area in Baras, Rizal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos Jr. today directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate illegal business enterprises within the conservation site allegedly owned by active and retired police officers and local government unit (LGUs) officials.
“Elected officials of the government and police officers are bound by their mandate to protect the environment. They should lead a good example to our fellow citizens and be part of the solution, not the other way around. Tayo dapat ang nangangalaga sa Masungi hindi ang sumisira dito,” Abalos said.
“We are here not to serve our interests and gain profits. We are here to serve the people,” he added.
The directive came after receiving reports that active and retired officers of the PNP and LGU officials allegedly erected resorts and commercial establishments at the conservation site.
Abalos said he expects the PNP to dig deeper into these allegations against its personnel and LGU officials and exercise due process in identifying the illegal business establishments built within the protected area.
“Hindi tayo papayag na kamkamin ito ng iilang tao. Kaya sa lahat ng magtatangkang magtayo pa ng negosyo at iba pang iligal na istraktura sa loob ng Masungi, binabalaan ko po kayo. Itigil n’yo na po ito dahil ipinagbabawal po ito ng ating batas,” Abalos warned.
He stated that the 2,700 hectares of forest land should be safeguarded from land claimants and illegal business people as the site is established as a protected area under Proclamation No. 296, s. 2011. He also referred to Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, declaring that “the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
He likewise said all government entities must follow the directive of President Ferdinand ‘BongBong’ Marcos, Jr. to protect and preserve the environment against those who seek to exploit and destroy it, especially in the face of global climate change.
In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos said “Companies who exploit our natural resources must follow the law. We all have the responsibility to preserve this Earth, for we are but custodians, and we will pass on this great treasure to future generations. There is no question that the preservation of the environment is the preservation of life.”
Marcos highlighted the same sentiment in his speech at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, USA.
On September 23, 2022, together with the forces of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the PNP, the DILG Secretary visited the site to inspect and stabilize the dispute between the protected area’s caretakers and armed personnel from Sinagtala security agency.
“Hindi puwedeng magtawag ng armed men in places with contested claims of land. It will create tension. Iyon ang ayaw natin. Baka mamaya, kung ano pang mangyari,” he said in an interview with the media.
Abalos vowed to maintain peace and order amid land claiming in the conservation site. He already sent a letter to the security agency and warned them of possible license revocation if they cross the bounds of law in the protected area.
He also ordered the PNP to establish a permanent encampment in the protected area to prevent infiltration of so-called claimants and the protection of the people working in Masungi who have echoed experiencing threats for their work in the natural reserve.
“Kailangan po nating pangalagaan ang Masungi maging ang mga taong nangangasiwa dito. They are doing an absolutely good job kaya ating gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang maisakatuparan ito,” Abalos said.
On the same day, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation released a statement thanking the DILG Secretary and PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. for being “champions” who are “firmly on the side of environmental protection and the safety of its defenders.”
“We will continue to advocate for peace and order and the utmost security of our citizenry,” Abalos said. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
