Guns seized from Masungi Georeserve ‘invaders’

MANILA, Philippines — Police have confiscated the firearms of a group of men accused of invading the Masungi conservation site in Tanay, Rizal.

Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday operatives of the regional civil security unit seized 12 shotguns and three .38 caliber revolvers from the armed men who  were later found to be security guards from the Sinagtala Security Agency.

The security guards reportedly camped along the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Barangay Cuyumbay.

Nartatez has vowed to restore normalcy in the Masungi Georeserve.

Lt. Col. Eunice de Guzman, spokesperson for the Calabarzon police, said the security agency may be held administratively liable if investigation shows that there were lapses.

She clarified that there were only six security guards in the area when the inspection was conducted, contrary to a social media post of the Masungi Georeserve administration that up to 30 armed men have been camping out in the area since last week.

De Guzman said no arrest was  made as the men were confirmed to be security guards and their guns were licensed.

However, in a post on Facebook yesterday, the Masungi Georeserve administration said the ”invaders” are still on Km. 48 of Marcos Highway, which is part of the protected area.

“We appeal to President Bongbong Marcos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, Department of the Interior and Local Governments Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief  Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to look into the matter,“ it said.

The management of the conservation site called for the arrest and prosecution of the armed men for trespassing, forcible entry, illegal possession of firearms and violations of the National Integrated Protected Areas System Law. – Ed Amoroso