Masungi exec: Encroachers could be behind shooting of forest rangers

People conducting illegal activities like timber cutting and quarrying within the Masungi Georeserve - a protected area in Baras, Rizal - could be behind the shooting of two forest rangers, according to the foundation that runs the conservation park.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras,” the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, which partners with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in caring for the area, believes that illegal settlers may be behind the crime last Saturday.

“Some of these, we were warned na may syndicated activities. Puwedeng ito ‘yung nakaharap na tao pero may iba pa pong involved doon sa situation na puwedeng hindi po natin nakikita,” Billi Dumaliang, advocacy officer, said.

(Some of these, we were warned are involved in syndicated activities. There may be others involved in the situation that we do not know.)

The victims, who belong to the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, were shot on the head and neck, respectively, but are now recovering.

These past months, several houses, resorts, and other establishments were reproached by the DENR and the Department of the Interior and Local Government for illegally entering a protected area.

Based on photos shared by the Foundation, barren areas in the protected landscape have been increasing since 2016.

The group also monitored the burning of some areas, which is included in the forestation area of the Foundation.

“In the strictest sense, dapat wala pong human activities, especially exploitative human activities sa loob. Unfortunately, nakikita po natin na meron pong timber cutting, mayroon pong quarrying interests,” she said.

(In the strictest sense, human activities, especially exploitative ones, are prohibited inside. Unfortunately, timber cutting and quarrying have been seen in the area.)

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has said that it will deploy personnel to the protected area while the investigation is ongoing. -Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA news