EVEN with the payment for the rehabilitation of Mount Pulag, a Cebuano hiker may still face criminal charges.
Lawyer Almary Bacangan of the legal division of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cordillera informed the Benguet Provincial Board of the volunteer response by Cebuano hiker Raymon Kristomar Mackay who accidentally caused a fire in 2018.
Mackay is facing charges of violation of Section 78 of Presidential Decree 705 known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
Bacangan told board members the DENR is currently working on the rehabilitation plan of Akiki Trail in Mt. Pulag and that the hiker volunteered to pay P53,874.
“The case is not settled, it is ongoing,” clarified Bacangan, saying another hearing will be set on May 7 after the presentation of evidence of the prosecution finished on February.
Bacangan said the prosecution was informed of the settlement, preparation of the rehabilitation of the area and that the accused is willing to pay for the rehabilitation.
SunStar Baguio learned the payment was determined by the Protected Area Superintendent of Mt. Pulag National Park and the basis of the computation was based on the regreening program of the agency.
Provincial Board Member Florencio Bentrez stated once DENR agrees for the rehabilitation where the cost will be shouldered by the arsonist, it is tantamount to settlement.
He can still be criminally liable,” rebuffs Bacangan.
It can be recalled a fire burned about 23,600 hectares of grassland in Mount Pulag on January 20, 2018, destroying around P2.36 million worth of forest, and compelled authorities to close the area to hikers for three months.