Paje orders probe of alleged Angat illegal logging, squatting

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje ordered the immediate investigation on alleged illegal logging and squatting at the Angat watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan. “We have to protect the watershed from any encroachment and other illegal activities that would compromise the integrity of the Angat Dam, especially at this time that our water supply has been affected by the impact of the El Niño phenomenon," Paje said Thursday. Paje ordered the Field Operations of the Environment and Natural Resources Department, Forest Management Bureau, and the department's Central Luzon regional office. Some 600 illegal settlers in the watershed, among them employees of the National Power Corporation (Napocor), have been in the area for the past 20 years, accordign to newspaper reports. The Angat watershed consists sits in a 62,309-hectare area in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray. “We have to look into the veracity of the report. If indeed there are illegal settlers in the watershed, it is the responsibility of the Napocor to clear the area of squatters," Paje said. Paje also directed the DENR offices to look into the reported illegal cutting of trees in Angat. According to the newspaper report, at least 30 cases of timber poaching have been recorded in the area from 2005 to 2010. “If this will be verified by our team to be true, we will have to assess Napocor’s capability to manage and protect the Angat dam and its watershed and work closely with them to effectively protect the watershed," Paje said. Executive Order No. 258, issued by former President Fidel Ramos in 1995, assigns the full control and management of the Angat watershed and reservation to Napocor, including the relocation of settlers in the area and the enforcement of forestry and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations. EO 258 directs the DENR to help implement comprehensive plans and programs in the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of watersheds. –VVP, GMANews.TV