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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR enforces closure of illegal resorts inside protected landscape in Rizal

DENR enforces closure of illegal resorts inside protected landscape in Rizal

Published Oct 7, 2025 03:47 pm
(DENR PHOTO)
(DENR PHOTO)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has padlocked three resorts that are alleged to be illegally operating inside the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).
The operation is part of the DENR's intensified crackdown on establishments violating environmental laws.
On Oct. 3, a composite team from the DENR physically enforced Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) against Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place, and Lihim na Batis, which continued to operate without the necessary environmental permits.
The enforcement team was led by Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement Norlito Eneran, DENR Region IV-A (CALABARZON) Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, and Rizal Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ramil Limpiada. 
According to DENR, the operation was executed by Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) Director Reuel Sorilla and UMRBPL Protected Area Superintendent Grace Malabanan, with assistance from the DENR Legal and Enforcement Divisions of Region IV-A and representatives from the DENR Legal Affairs Service under Director Raymond Velicaria, through Atty. Gino Leocadio S. Paje, Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Crisis Prevention and Management Division.
After coordinating with Mayor Wilfredo C. Robles and barangay officials, the DENR team said they padlocked the main gate of Danum Baker Resort, securing it with a chain and posting an official “CLOSED” sign in the presence of the caretaker. 
The action reinforced a previous DENR tarp already indicating the resort’s violation, the agency added.
At Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis, the team found the shared main gate already locked and unattended. As the gate also serves as an access route for local residents, the team opted not to padlock it but instead installed prominent closure posters for both establishments.
The DENR said the three resorts were part of nine establishments earlier issued with either a CDO or a Show Cause Order (SCO) for violating the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. 
The agency said the physical enforcement was necessary because these were the only resorts still operating despite previous warnings.
The environment department confirmed that the six other resorts that received similar orders have since complied and ceased operations.
The agency said the operation reflects its firm commitment under Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla to uphold environmental laws and safeguard protected landscapes.
“The operation sends a strong message that the DENR, under the leadership of Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, is resolute in its mandate to enforce environmental laws and ensure that the country’s natural treasures are protected for the benefit of all Filipinos,” the DENR stated.
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