PNP to probe Masungi Georeserve ‘invasion’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will investigate an alleged attempt by an armed group to invade the Masungi conservation site in Rizal province.

The PNP said it would look into the possible involvement of active or retired police officers in the incident that started last week.

It said it would coordinate its investigation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies.

In a post on social media, the Masungi Georeserve administration said at least 30 armed men from a security agency have been camping out along the Marikina-Infanta Highway since last week.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed the PNP to identify the group.

The DILG also directed the PNP to coordinate its findings with the DENR and other concerned agencies in order to solve the issue quickly.

“We will look into the possible involvement of policemen here, whether active or retired. We have to check all these, so the issue would be solved properly,” Azurin told journalists in a briefing yesterday.

“It is a protected area, and we are looking at the alleged titling of lands. What happened there is they are showing that the property title granted to a group was perpetual,” Azurin said.

“We are checking the veracity of the signature of the person who gave perpetual utilization of the protected property,” he added.

In a statement, the Masungi Georeserve administration said a certain Maj. Laino or Layno claimed he has the title of the propert and has long been occupying the area.

“When asked to show this title, he failed to show anything. He also denies knowing any of the 30 people camping along the road, although some said they are working for him. He claims to be a retired military official,” the Masungi Georeserve administration said, adding none of the armed men have been arrested even as they were found in possession of illegal firearms.