ENVIRONMENTALIST RALLY AT DENR
BY SITA M. BENECIO
The peaceful rally of the Bantay Kalikasan (BAKAL) Sibuyan that was held at the DENR-CRNRO Sub-station in Magdiwang, Romblon, on February 16, 2001 at 7:30 in the morning exposed an anomalous inventory of lumber found on board the DENR official service vehicle (KIA Ceres with plate No. SEV383). Contrary to the claim of Forester Abraham Pasion that there were only four (4) pieces of lumber and that they were rotten, the inventory yielded fifty six pieces (56) with a total of 384.7 board feet.The rally, which was initiated by the BAKAL of Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park, Sibuyan Island and attended by at least sixty nine (69) participants from LGUs, Women's League, Day Care and ERDA teachers and pupils and some POs, also exposed the alleged illegal activities of the holders of Private Land Timber Cutting Permit, Mr. Cirilo Merida of Barangay Ipil, Magdiwang on his 14-hectare land with Certificate of Title No. 21 covered by Tax Declaration No. 306 in Barangay Agsao, Magdiwang. The rallyist alleged that they have substantial evidences showing that the said holder was cutting, removing and gathering lumber/logs outside the boundary of his area. The group said that some eye witnesses attest that Mr. Cirilo Merida cut logs outside his area and within the protected area of Nailog River.The inventory was made when the rallyist agreed to the challenge of Forester Abraham Pasion to check the load of the DENR service vehicle. They proceeded to Ambulong port where the service vehicle was about to be ferried by the Viva Penafrancia ship going to Odiongan, Romblon. The group requested assistance from the Maritime Coast Guard and PNP Officer at Magdiwang, Romblon. It was agreed among the DENR personnel, BAKAL members and LGUs that the inventory would commence at the DENR-CENRO Sub-station at Magdiwang, Romblon.The lumber totaled to fifty-six(56) pieces and have a total of 384.7 bd. ft. and most of the lumber were classified as diptherocarp/premium hard wood. Narra specie, hinlagasi, balit, lawaan, to name just a few. Forester Abraham Pasion and one of the co-signatories attested the authencity of the said lumbers was witnessed by BAKAL, Sibuyan, Police Officer and DENR personnel.The certification of documents provides that Forester Ismael Agcaoili, OIC of the DENR-CENRO sub-station Mr. Jose Samino and the driver of the DENR service refused to sign as witnesses of the said inventory.
