Capitol gathering witnesses vs reforestation arsonists

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Tuesday Provincial Government officials are still gathering witnesses to determine the exact number of suspects who deliberately burned the 50-hectare reforestation project at upper Minoyan, Murcia.

"It was very clear that the burning was intentionally done. That's why the investigation is being done," Marañon said.

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He also confirmed plans of putting up an army detachment in the area to secure the reforestation project of the Provincial Capitol.

"We will spend again to plant new trees," Marañon added.

The Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) placed the damage to the 50-hectare reforestation project at P1.8 million.

Aleta Nunez, PEMO head stated that the reforestation project area was jointly implemented by the province with Energy Development Corporation and Landingan-Andan Farmers association in 2005 with an investment of about P3.1 million. It is the same area that was also intentionally set to fire in 2008. (TED)