Malacanang has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate the alleged illegal quarrying and mining activities at the protected area of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal.
“We urge the [DENR] Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to look into the matter and file the necessary charges against violators of environmental laws,” acting presidential spokesperson Sec. Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.
The statement came after environmental and educational groups signed a joint statement, calling for an end to quarrying agreements and illegal construction around Masungi and the Upper Marikina Watershed which could affect the part of the Sierra Madre range east of Metro Manila.
The joint statement urged the DENR to cancel the Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) within the Upper Marikina Watershed, citing Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems Act, which bans mineral exploration, mining, and quarrying within protected areas.
Among the signatories of the statement include environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa, former Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, and United Nations Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador and actress Antoinette Taus, among others.
“Safeguarding the environment and natural resources is an important component in our sustainable development,” Andanar said.
