By EUGENE ADIONG
BACOLOD City — Construction of structures inside the Northern Negros Natural Park in Salvador Benedicto town continues despite the status quo order by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
Jose Ma. Valencia, provincial legal officer and Task Force Ilahas chief, said they have received from residents in the area reports of status quo violations.
He said there were structures not covered by the cease and desist orders (CDOs) earlier issued against encroachers.
“I would presume that the structures will be included in the DENR’s (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) list of additional individuals who will be served with CDOs,” he said.
Valencia said they will also report to the DENR the unwarranted cutting and plowing of trees, including coffee, that were part of a livelihood and reforestation project in Salvador Benedicto.
He said they were still trying to identify the culprits.
One of the reported illegal structures in the forest covers huge area; authorities were still identifying the owner/s and how the property was acquired, said Valencia.
Eleven mayors composing a PAMB ad hoc committee that will come up with recommendations on the use of lands in the forest have not met yet.
Asked about his say on this, Valencia said Task Force Ilahas, which he leads, is not part of PAMB but said the committee should meet as soon as possible.
The ad hoc committee’s deadline for its recommendations is on May 10.
The mayors are from Cadiz, Victorias, Sagay, Silay, San Carlos and Talisay cities, and Murcia, EB Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava and Salvador Benedicto towns./PN
