DENR steps in to resolve N. Cotabato-M’guindanao border row

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stepped in to resolve the dispute between North Cotabato and Maguindanao over a 68-kilometer forested area that cuts through the two provinces.

In a statement, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun said a survey will be conducted on Aug. 11 to determine the boundary between the municipalities of Alamada in North Cotabato and Buldon in Maguindanao.

Gozun said the survey will finally determine which of the two towns will have jurisdiction over the forested area, particularly in matters of forest protection and the issuance of tree-cutting permits.

"There is a need to immediately delineate the provincial boundary in order to strengthen the protection of old and second-growth forests in the area," she said.

The DENR said the forested area in question is bordered by the Libungan and Simuay rivers.

Gozun said the cost of the survey, estimated at P649,000, will be shouldered by the provincial governments of North Cotabato and Maguindanao and the DENR.

The DENR, meanwhile, has signed an agreement with the Philippine Army to help enforce a logging ban in the contested area.