House urged to probe into Masungi Georeserve attacks
MANILA, Philippines — An environmental group called on the House of Representatives to convene a special session to investigate the acts of violence against forest rangers of Masungi Georeserve Foundation in Rizal province.
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment urged House lawmakers to act on the resolution filed by Bayan Muna representatives, which sought a probe, in aid of legislation, into the continuous attacks against rangers defending a portion of the protected Upper Marikina watershed from illegal activities.
House Resolution 2499 was filed by Reps. Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat and Ferdinand Gaite.
“Congress should not sit idly while the protectors of one of the country’s world-renowned climate-critical watershed conservation areas face worsening attacks from land grabbers,” Kalikasan PNE national coordinator Leon Dulce said.
“We need an urgent intervention at the policy level because the regulatory and enforcement bodies have failed with impunity,” he added.
In a tweet Monday, Masungi Georeserve welcomed the resolution, saying it is “looking forward to working with you to show the true state of our watershed and plight of its defenders.”
“The fact that impunity can happen at the backyard of our country’s seat of power is alarming and should be learned from by both DENR and Legislation,” said Ann Dumaliang, Masungi trustee and project manager.
“Our reforestation site is not an isolated experience, but a microcosm of what is happening in even more distant, remote and vulnerable watersheds of the country.”
Last month, Masungi rangers were mauled by people suspected to be working for resorts inside the watershed. Masungi is restoring a 2,700-hectare land within the protected area in partnership with the government.
The foundation said a woman park ranger was recently harassed and her cousin was punched in the gut by the person who led the mauling of rangers.
It earlier called for “firm and fearless” implementation of environmental laws in the watershed. The environment department said it is reviewing the government’s agreement with Masungi to determine what needs to be strengthened or changed. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
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