Resorts in protected areas closed by Baras LGU

Tourists intending to swim in a number of resorts in Baras, Rizal were prevented from doing so by the local government unit (LGU) as it enforced the closure order of illegally operating establishments in what is a protected area.

In Maki Pulido’s report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, the Baras LGU established checkpoints within the area of Sitio San Roque in Barangay Pinugay to prevent guests from reaching the resorts, which continued to operate despite receiving a closure order in 2021.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously mandated the closure of the establishments after the Masungi  Georeserve Foundation Incorporated (MGFI) raised its concern over their unauthorized construction.

Barangay Chairperson Jofre Seclot said they had set up checkpoints in the past to restrict access to the resorts before but the establishments resumed operations once the checkpoints were removed.

“Nung tinanggal namin barikada nag-online booking kasi sila, yun yung di na namin mabantayan,” said Siclot.

(They turned to online bookings after we removed the checkpoints.)

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation, for its part, expressed hope the implementation of checkpoints will be continued and called on local officials to prevent construction supplies from entering amid the reported construction of four to five resorts in the protected area.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is looking into the possible involvement of a police official in an alleged land-grabbing incident at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News