The city government of Puerto Princesa through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) conducted a summary demolition of an illegal tree house structure in a mangroves area in Purok 2, Sitio Bucana, Brgy. Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City.
The tree house is located within the City’s Love Affair with Nature planting site in 2023, an annual mangroves planting activity participated by individuals from different agencies, sectors, and organizations.
The City ENRO through its Environmental Law Enforcement Division said that the tree house is made of illegally cut mangroves.
”During the operation, approximately 97 pieces of illegally cut mangrove timber were recovered from the site. This enforcement action reaffirms our commitment to upholding environmental laws and preserving the City’s vital ecosystem,” the City ENRO said in its social media post.
Mangroves in Palawan, including that in Puerto Princesa, are part of the Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserved declared in 1981 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos who issued Proclamation No. 2152. However, despite being part of the country’s mangrove forest reserve, urbanization pressures and human activities caused the massive loss of mangroves, especially informal settlements in mangrove areas.
“As per Presidential Proclamation No. 2152, Palawan Province is declared a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve, legally protecting its coastal forests from unauthorized human intrusion. Under national laws including Republic Act No. 7161 and Republic Act No. 10654, alongside localized Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Administrative Order No. 11, Series of 2006, the cutting, clearing, or damaging of any mangrove species, as well as the construction of unauthorized structures such as treehouses, dwellings, or private facilities within mangrove areas, is strictly illegal. Violators face immediate demolition of illegal structures at their own expense, alongside severe administrative fines,” the City ENRO cited existing laws and policies that specifically protects mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves are important in fisheries, especially in Palawan which is considered a rich fishing ground. It also helps fortify crustaceans and mollusks. Aside from being a source of essential goods, it also offers ecosystem services including coastal protection that serves as buffer zones during typhoons and storm surges, reduction of shoreline and riverbank erosion, flood control, nutrient recycling, and habitat for wildlife.
