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50 notices of violations, 2 show-cause orders issued vs. illegal NNNP occupants

The public is warned against buying public land in protected areas covered by the Northern Negros Natural Park.*CENRO Bago photo

Fifty notices of violations and two show-cause orders were issued to owners of illegal structures in the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).

This is a part of the heightened campaign against illegal occupation in protected areas of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

NNNP Protected Area Superintendent Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya said the violators failed to secure building permits, special-use agreements within the protected area (SAPA), and Protected Area Management Board (PAMP) clearance before construction.

He cited Section 18 of Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, stating that it is unlawful for any person to occupy or dwell in any public land within the protected area without clearance from the PAMB and could warrant a fine of P200,000 to P1 million and/or imprisonment of one to six years.

Public notices and signages were installed in strategic locations across the protected area to warn potential buyers of public lands, he added.

In July, a man was caught selling portions of public land in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto, while two more suspects were arrested in Brgy. Bunga the following day for also engaging in the same activity.

Gerangaya said his office will continue to carry out its mandate to protect and sustainably manage the natural resources of the area.*

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