In a report submitted to Environment Regional Executive Director Samuel Peñafiel, it showed that about 1,500 square meters were cleared and a shanty made of used galvanize sheet and light materials was introduced within the Forbes Park reservation. The shanty is about 50 meters from the Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) guardhouse.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Forbes Protection Unit reported that claimants showed a copy of subdivision plan covering Barangay Marcoville, which is under Proclamation 773 showing partitions of several lots that included portions of the forested area of the Forbes Park forest reserve. The proclamation excluded parts of Forbes Park parcel 1 for disposition.
The DENR Forest Protection Unit said some partitioned vacant lots were likewise claimed by some government employees.
Pascual Abaclod, head of the City Forest and Watershed Management (CFWM), suspected that the lots covered by Proclamation 773 have already been occupied and awarded to individuals.
Abaclod said parcel 1 plays a big role in controlling air pollution along South Drive and in Barangays Marcoville and Cabinet Hill. "A summary demolition now of all the structures that encroached into the forest reserve is needed to control the entry of more squatters as well as to limit the proliferation of squatting in the area," he said.
The investigation team said cases were filed against the identified claimants for violating Presidential Decree (PD) 705 known as the Forestry Code of Philippines and likewise ordered the stoppage to the clearing and leveling activity within the Forbes Park. A thorough survey of the coverage of Proclamation 773 and delineation of boundaries has also been recommended. (DK)
