DENR to probe alleged violations in Tuburan reforestation project

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has agreed to look into the alleged human rights violations committed by the police in the implementation of the “Adopt a Mountain” in Tuburan town.

Farmers of barangay Cantipla had alleged that armed men had harassed them by telling them they could no longer cultivate their land despite this not stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement signed between DENR and PNP in implementing the project. 

In a technical conference between DENR and the affected farmers yesterday, DENR also agreed to investigate whether or not there was legal transition from the PNP to Keep Foundation in the implementation of the project.

The project is now being implemented by DENR and Keep Foundation.

From their end, the farmers agreed to put their allegations into writing through affidavits, which would stipulate the alleged human rights violations the police committed during the time of General Tiburcio Fusilero.

The farmers also agreed to put into writing their call to nullify the MOA, which was allegedly carried out through an “undemocratic consultation.”

The farmers claimed the consultation was done through a medical mission wherein availing of the medical service and signing the attendance sheet were translated as their agreement to the signing of the MOA.

“Giingnan pami nga iuli ninyo ang antyuhos kay ang antyuhos kuno amo pagtando nga ila nang umahon among yuta,” Narcisa Tabal, one of the farmers, said.

DENR and the farmers are slated to meet again on May 29 to discuss the progress of their agreements.

There was a short delay in yesterday’s technical conference when the farmers affected by the “Adopt a Mountain” project refused to continue with the dialogue if not all of their members were allowed to enter the venue.

The “Adopt a Mountain” project covers 504 hectares of barangay Cantipla in Tuburan. It aims to reforest, rehabilitate and protect the area from threats of illegal logging and deforestation.

The MOA was issued last November 15, 2000 and was signed by DENR and Fusilero who was still part of the Police Regional Office.

Director Dioscoro Melana of DENR said that there is a need to review the MOA, especially on matters of coverage, location, and identification of farm lots. – Ana Coritha Desamparado (THE FREEMAN)