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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Local execs, active and ex-cops ordered investigated over Masungi structures

Local execs, active and ex-cops ordered investigated over Masungi structures

Published Sep 25, 2022 04:04 pm

After his visit in the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an extensive probe on the supposed illegal business ventures allegedly entered into by active and retired police officials and local government unit (LGU) personnel within the conservation site.

“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 (We are suppose to protect Masungi not destroy it),” Abalos said.

“We are here not to serve our interests and gain profits. We are here to serve the people,” he added.

Abalos issued the directive after receiving reports that active and retired PNP officers and LGU officials had 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 (Masungi) 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 (We will not allow a few people to land grab Masungi. That is why I am warning those who intend to put up businesses and construct other illegal structures inside the Masungi. Stop it since it is against the law),’’ Abalos stressed.

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.

Abalos was referring 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.”

On Sept. 23, Abalos together with the forces of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the PNP visited the site to inspect and stabilize the dispute between the protected area’s caretakers and armed personnel from the Sinagtala Security Agency.

“Hindi puwedeng magtawag ng armed men (Hiring the services of armed men) in places with contested claims of land. It will create tension. Iyon ang ayaw natin. Baka mamaya, kung ano pang mangyari (That is what we do not want. Something bad might happen),’’ Abalos continued.

Abalos vowed to maintain peace and order amid land claim disputes in the conservation site, saying that 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 (We need to protect Masungi and the people taking care of it). They are doing an absolutely good job kaya ating gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang maisakatuparan ito (that is why we have to do our best to achieve this),” Abalos said.

On the said visit, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation released a statement thanking Abalos 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 assured. (Chito A. Chavez)

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PNP DILG Benhur Abalos sona
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