House probe of Masungi Georeserve attacks sought

A team of scientists, conservationists, forest rangers, and volunteers sets out on a biodiversity research expedition in Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province, in this photo taken on Jan. 25. The project is carried out amid the increasing dangers faced by the rangers from groups linked to illegal construction projects in the area. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have condemned the recent attacks on forest rangers at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province and sought an investigation.

In House Resolution No. 2499, Bayan Muna Representatives Eufemia Cullamat, Carlos Isagani Zarate, and Ferdinand Gaite cited the acts of violence against forest rangers of the protected rainforest reserve last month and in July 2021.

“These continuous attacks and violence against our forest defenders are the result of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) failure to evict illegal occupants [from] the reforestation site, which is our duty as supposedly agreed with Masungi Foundation last 2017,” the lawmakers said in their resolution.

“[The] DENR’s loose judgment and lack of action over matters concerning its responsibilities and functions to protect the environment and the people, and the illegal occupants’ harassment and violence against the foreign defenders in pursuit of their various self-interests should be rightfully condemned and prosecuted,” they added.

On Feb. 18, two forest rangers were hurt after alleged residents of Sitio San Roque in Baras town mauled them. The victims and five other forest rangers were eating at a carinderia when the suspects ganged up on them.

The lawmakers cited a statement from Masungi Georeserve, which said the attackers were “linked to illegal resorts in the Upper Marikina Watershed” that the DENR supposedly failed to evict from the area.

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