DENR probes illegal logging, squatting at Angat watershed

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has started an investigation into reported illegal logging and squatting at the Angat watershed in Bulacan province. DENR Secretary Ramon Paje ordered the Field Operations of the Forest Management Bureau and the regional office of the department in Central Luzon to head the probe. “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 Nino phenomenon," Paje said in an article on the DENR website. Paje's order stemmed from reports that some 600 illegal settlers, among them employees of the National Power Corp. in the area for the past 20 years, are occupying portions of the watershed within the boundaries of Barangay San Mateo in Norzagaray town. Angat watershed has a total area of 62,309 hectares. “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. He also directed the three DENR offices to look into the reported illegal logging in the area. He cited reports that there were at least 30 cases of timber poaching recorded 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 then President Fidel Ramos in 1995 assigns the full control and management of Angat watershed and reservation to Napocor. This includes the resettlement or relocation of occupants or settlers in the area and the enforcement of forestry and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations. On the other hand, the DENR is directed to provide the necessary assistance in the formulation and implementation of comprehensive plans and programs relative to the management, protection, development and rehabilitation of the watersheds. — LBG, GMANews.TV