INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr yesterday ordered the PNP to probe illegal business enterprises operating inside the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, which he said are allegedly owned by local government officials and retired or active police officers.
Abalos issued the order two days after he and PNP chief Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. visited the protected area to ensure peace and order amid statements made by the management of Masungi that 30 armed security guards have been encamped outside the preservation site for weeks now.
Masungi have said that the men were supposedly preparing to take over portions of the area.
Abalos said he has gotten reports that the illegal businesses, such as resorts and other commercial establishments, operating inside the Masungi are owned by retired and active police officers and local government officials.
“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. We should be the ones protecting Masungi and should not be the ones destroying it,” said Abalos.
“We are here not to serve our interests and gain profits. We are here to serve the people,” Abalos also said.
Abalos said he expects the PNP to dig deeper into the allegations against the active and retired policemen and local government officials and exercise due process in identifying the illegal establishments.
Abalos said the 2,700 hectares of forest land in Masugi should be safeguarded from land claimants and businessmen as the site is classified as a protected area under Proclamation 296 issued in 2011 by the late President Corazon Aquino.
He also cited section 16 of the 1987 Constitution that says “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.”
Abalos also noted President Marcos Jr’s statement urging all government entities to protect and preserve the environment against those who will exploit and destroy it.
Abalos had earlier ordered the PNP to establish a permanent encampment in the protected area to prevent infiltration by the so-called claimants.
“We have to protect Masungi and the people in charge of it. They are doing an absolutely good job, thus we will do everything to accomplish this,” he said.
“That’s why I am warning people planning to establish businesses and other structures inside Masungi: You should stop because that’s against our law,” he added.
