(PNA photo by Joey Razon) MANILA - Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Friday they are awaiting the guidance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regarding the row at the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal. "We can't just act as we could be charged in court. I am also warning the security agency that they can't just enter any place as they need to get a permit from the chief of the police," Abalos told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the protected area, together with DENR and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials. Abalos also said they already sent a letter to the Sinagtala Security Agency, which employs the security personnel who allegedly encamped within the area's vicinity, to get its side on the issue. "The police is here to make sure there is peace and order. The DENR is here to give us direction and of course, members of the media are here to give attention to
MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it will summon the security agency that employed personnel who allegedly encamped within the vicinity of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal due to alleged violations. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said six security guards of the Sinagtala Security Agency who were inspected by the Rizal police at the site on Sept. 17 failed to present registration of their firearms. "The Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) 4A (Calabarzon) found out that the security officers failed to present firearms registration of 12 shotguns and two revolvers, prompting the team to confiscate them," she added. Fajardo, however, said further verification showed the firearms have a valid registration with the PNP's Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) until 2024. "However, that will not (spare) the security agency as it will be made to explain how come the security officers failed to bring with them
(File photo) MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the possible involvement of retired or active police officers in last weekend's standoff at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province where scores of armed men have encamped and caches of weapons were discovered. In a press briefing at the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said they will be checking the documents of those who are claiming ownership of a part of the conservation area. "We are checking the veracity of the signature who supposedly authorized the perpetual utilization of the protected property," said Azurin, adding he finds the document "unusual." "There must be something wrong with the document that is being shown, that's why we're coordinating with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)," he said. Reports revealed that a retired police major is claiming ownership of a parcel of land at t
MANILA - Malacanang on Tuesday directed a task force in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate alleged illegal activities within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) in Rizal province. This, after environmentalists and concerned citizens asked the government to cancel quarrying agreements within the 26,126-hectare UMRBPL over concerns that these activities could worsen the extent of flooding in low-lying reaches of the Upper Marikina Watershed, including the cities and communities of Metro Manila and Rizal Province. Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications secretary Martin Andanar acknowledged the need for the government to protect the country's natural resources. "Safeguarding the environment and natural resources is an important component in our sustainable development," he said in a press statement. He expressed concern over reports of alleged development activities, which include resort expansion, in
MANILA - Malacanang on Tuesday directed a task force in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate alleged illegal activities within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) in Rizal province. This, after environmentalists and concerned citizens asked the government to cancel quarrying agreements within the 26,126-hectare UMRBPL over concerns that these activities could worsen the extent of flooding in low-lying reaches of the Upper Marikina Watershed, including the cities and communities of Metro Manila and Rizal Province. Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications secretary Martin Andanar acknowledged the need for the government to protect the country's natural resources. "Safeguarding the environment and natural resources is an important component in our sustainable development," he said in a press statement. He expressed concern over reports of alleged development activities, which include resort expansion, in