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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR vows to clear Rizal protected areas of illegal occupants

DENR vows to clear Rizal protected areas of illegal occupants

Published Apr 28, 2022 02:05 pm

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assured on Thursday, April 28, that it will the protected areas in Rizal of illegal occupants.

This, as concerns were raised as some people were seen constructing houses and other structures within the protected areas of Masungi and Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).

DENR Acting Sec. Jim O. Sampulna said they have already filed cases against the illegal occupants.

“From 2021 to February 2022, 16 cases were filed against violators through NBI operations conducted in Barangays San Jose, San Juan, and Pintong Bukawe in Antipolo City and Barangay Pinugay in Baras, Rizal, wherein four convictions were won on Monday, April 25,” said Sampulna.

Meanwhile, the DENR-Calabarzon reported that from August 2018 to March 2022, a total of 96 show cause orders and 43 cease-and-desist orders were issued because of illegal construction, occupation, and conduct of business without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board.

Establishment of illegal structures within protected areas violates Section 20 (n) and (o) of Republic Act (RA) 7586, as amended by RA 11038 or the National Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS) Act of 2018, and Section 81, formerly Section 71, of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

On the other hand, Sampulna clarified that the three companies issued with mineral production sharing agreements or MPSA in the area have not been operational since 2004.

He said they are also currently reviewing the legality of the perpetual land trust given by the agency to Masungi Georeserve Foundation through a memorandum of agreement with former Secretary Gina Lopez.

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