Despite efforts and repeated attempts of various government agencies to rid the forestland in Talaudyong, Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City from illegal occupation, its alleged occupant identified as Fe Ylaya, deliberately defied duly constituted authorities and blatantly violated laws by continuously occupying forestland, classified as within core zones.
In an inspection and investigation on May 20, 2020 by the composite team composed of the personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), City Environment and Natural Resource Office, Philippine National Police (PNP), City’s Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicate (DAPSASS), officials of Barangay Bacungan, they found out that the previously occupied forested/timberland area already vacated by Ylaya-hired security guards, has newly built nipa hut, this time occupied by Donato Laviña and his wife Sally, who claimed to be related to Ylaya, and a certain Melvin Iwa, who claimed as a resident of Barangay Bancao-Bancao, and previously stayed and worked at the house of Ylaya.
Upon the arrival of the authorities, tension gripped when Laviña tried to block them, asserting their occupation and other activities within the forest as legal.
Alex Hermoso, head of the DAPSASS directed Laviña and his company to submit at their office, any documents to support their occupation within the timberland and core zone. In the absence thereof, he explained, will compel him to recommend for the immediate dismantling of structures within the area.
The same composite team responded in the same area, several times on February 20 and April 22, respectively, due to the reported clearing and other destructive activities such as uncontrolled extraction of forest resources. The authorities then, ordered security guards to leave the area, being within the timberland and should be remained within strict protection zone.
Adjacent to the portion of the timberland fenced and occupied by Ylaya, is another portion allegedly fenced by the workers upon instructions of a retired navy official.
Atty. Carlo B. Gomez, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Puerto Princesa City said that the destruction in the forestland should be immediately put to stop in order to avert the damage of the biodiversity in the area. Ironically, all these destructions were committed when the country is facing a health crisis.
He further explained that the encumbrance of the crimes committed during the community quarantine were heftier, because of the presence of aggravating circumstances since the country is under the State of Calamity due to coronavirus disease COVID-19.
He said that an intensified law enforcement for forest protection and conservation is needed to curb or minimize the degree of destruction of forestland/core zones which are considered as primary forests in Puerto Princesa City.
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