P. Princesa police chief relieved for alleged mauling of forest rangers
By Aaron Recuenco
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the relief of the chief of police of Puerto Princesa City for allegedly beating up and illegally arresting local forest guards.
Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN)
Gamboa said he also ordered a thorough investigation on the real reason why Col. Marlon Balonglong reacted violently on the members law enforcement team of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who were looking into the cutting of mangrove trees and occupation of illegal settlers in protected forest of Puerto Princesa City.
Based on the initial investigation report from Brig. Gen. Nicerio Obaob, the regional director of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regional police, the local DENR officers were about to enforce a notice to vacate the land they occupied when they were intercepted by the local police headed by Balonglong himself.
The cutting of mangrove and occupation of any mangrove area is considered illegal since the entire province of Palawan is considered as mangrove forest reserve.
Balonglong allegedly beat up some of the DENR local enforcers and some of the village officials who accompanied them.
Balonglong and his men then reportedly arrested the group and took them to the local police station without citing any law violated.
“The allegations against Balonglong are serious and his relief is an administrative action to preclude any possibility of undue influence in the ongoing investigation,” said Gamboa.
In 2018, it was learned that Balonglong was sacked by then Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar for command responsibility over allegations that his men were involved in an extortion racket on drug suspects. He was then chief of police of Las Piñas City.
Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN)
Gamboa said he also ordered a thorough investigation on the real reason why Col. Marlon Balonglong reacted violently on the members law enforcement team of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who were looking into the cutting of mangrove trees and occupation of illegal settlers in protected forest of Puerto Princesa City.
Based on the initial investigation report from Brig. Gen. Nicerio Obaob, the regional director of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regional police, the local DENR officers were about to enforce a notice to vacate the land they occupied when they were intercepted by the local police headed by Balonglong himself.
The cutting of mangrove and occupation of any mangrove area is considered illegal since the entire province of Palawan is considered as mangrove forest reserve.
Balonglong allegedly beat up some of the DENR local enforcers and some of the village officials who accompanied them.
Balonglong and his men then reportedly arrested the group and took them to the local police station without citing any law violated.
“The allegations against Balonglong are serious and his relief is an administrative action to preclude any possibility of undue influence in the ongoing investigation,” said Gamboa.
In 2018, it was learned that Balonglong was sacked by then Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar for command responsibility over allegations that his men were involved in an extortion racket on drug suspects. He was then chief of police of Las Piñas City.