3 nabbed for construction in protected land in Rizal

Three persons, including a military major, were arrested at a construction site in a protected area in Antipolo, Rizal.

According to a "24 Oras' report by John Consulta on Wednesday, the foreman of the site was arrested after he failed to present a permit from the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.

A major of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who allegedly led the construction, was also arrested near the site.

Heavy equipment, such as a backhoe, tractor, cement mixer, and other construction materials, were also found on the site.

“Nakatanggap tayo ng impormasyon mula sa ating DENR-Rizal na sila ay nag-request ng investigative assistance para sa mga umuukupa sa mga protected areas in violation sa NIPAS Act at Forestry Code. Ginalaw nila ang natural appearance ng lupa, nagputol po sila ng mga punong kahoy,” said NBI Cavite District Office North chief Attorney Eric Nuqui.

(We have received information from DENR-Rizal requesting investigative assistance regarding some people occupying protected areas in violation of the NIPAS Act and Forestry Code. They have disturbed the land’s natural appearance and have cut down trees.)

Near the said site, a newly constructed house was also found.

“Ang area po na ito ay ang tinatawag na Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. Ito po ang unang pananggalang natin sa mga pag-ulan at pag-bagyo para ang tubig ay masala sa lugar. Sa mga patuloy na nagtatayo sa protected landscape, ang epekto po nito, mas bibilis ang pagbaba ng tubig dahil wala na yung nga puno na siyang maghohold sa tubig ulan na babagsak,” said Nuqui.

(This area is called the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. This is our first line of defense to filter water from rains and storms. Continuous construction on our protected landscapes may lead to a faster flow of water due to a lack of trees holding the rainwater.)

The three suspects will be facing several charges following their arrest.

“Asahan po ng ating kababayan na tuluy-tuloy ang ating pagsisiyasat hinggil dito. Di po titigil ang NBI sa pagtugis sa mga lumalabag sa ating environmental laws,” said NBI CALABARZON Regional Director Eric Mercado.

(Expect a continuous investigation on this matter. The NBI will not stop going after those who violate environmental laws.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News