DENR to sign accord with PNP to address problems of informal settlers

INFANTA, Quezon, Philippines  – To address the proliferation of informal settlers who include charcoal makers and land speculators within the protected area at Barangay Magsaysay, here, government agencies led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has come up with a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police and Army

DENR-Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said yesterday the MOA will be signed by DENR, the local government unit of Infanta, the local police and the Army’s Second Infantry Battalion.

The said area has been declared protected zone under Presidential Proclamation No. 1636.

Tamoria attributed the influx of these untenured migrants and other illegal activities and/or violation of environmental laws within the said area to the opening of the newly constructed Marikina-Infanta road project of the national government.

Under the MOA, the said government agencies have agreed to regulate the entry and exit of individuals or groups within the confines of Proclamation 1636 through the joint assistance centers and monitoring checkpoints to be established at Sitios Little Baguio and Kamagong, both in Barangay Magsaysay and at Sitio Minuson, Barangay Tongohin, in this town, thereby restoring the integrity of the protected area, according to Tamoria.

Forester Willy Riña, the DENR-Calabarzon’s chief of forest resources conservation division said the MOA also aims to forcibly eject non-tenured migrants and charcoal makers who failed to leave the protected area after the 15-day clearance granted by then DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos allowing the transport of all inventoried charcoal within the protected area.   

“The said clearance was granted thru the representation of Mayor Filipina Grace America of Infanta, Quezon to allow the transport of these charcoals subject to the commitment/agreement that these charcoal makers will voluntarily dismantle their shanties, including other structures built within the protected area after their charcoal stocks have been disposed or transported,” said Riña, adding that the deal have expired on Aug. 18.