Portion of the protected area allegedly occupied by the suspects. Photo by Armand M. Galang
BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Nine persons were arrested while allegedly clearing and occupying a forested area in Barangay Calaanan here on Wednesday.
Police identified the suspects as Renato Baltazar, 42; Guillermo Dino, 55; Christian Regalario, 28; Romeo Camacho, 29; Richard Carinan, 22; June delos, 42; Vicente Tieño, 58, all of Barangay Calaanan; Federico Undan, 65, of Digmala; and Ernesto Vigil, 30, of Barangay Labi.
Bongabon chief of police Capt. Romualdo Lopez said the operation was conducted upon a complaint by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“May siyam na tao na inabot namin na aktuwal na nagtatabas… na naglilinis nung bundok na isang protected area,” Lopez said.
Investigation showed the suspects have already cleared and cut trees over one hectare of the area, reportedly a portion of the watershed.
“Nagbakod na sila,” Lopez said, noting that the suspects apparently prepared the place for kaingin (slash and burn farming).
Officials have declared that the denudation of forests and watersheds causes disasters, like what happened in Cagayan.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 11038 or squatting were filed against the suspects.
