No demolition at NNNP

THERE will be no demolition of illegal structures inside the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP) after the majority of the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), especially mayors and barangay officials, voted to maintain the status quo.

The controversial structures include vacation and rest houses standing on the protected zone.

Governor Alfredo Maraon Jr., who chaired the PAMB meeting Tuesday, voted for the demolition and became emotional in defending his stand for the dismantling of about 90 illegal structures.

The owners of these structures were issued cease and desist orders by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

We in government should not make illegal acts legal. The NNNP is the last frontier of our environment in Negros. We should protect it not only for ourselves but for the generations to come. Our forest was so vast before but it is slowly dwindling because of these illegal structures. Most of those having illegal structures like vacation houses have the money and yet they still would want to get the little that is left for the poor," Maraon said.

He added that he will make sure that the issue will be properly brought before Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

Maraon said he is more concerned about the many who would be affected of the forest destruction rather than the few people who have the money and own vacation houses.

The PAMB members voted 34-11, with one abstention.

Most of those who voted for the demolition are members of the PAMB Technical Working Group (TWG) and representatives of non-government organizations.

The division of the house was based on Article 4 of the recommendation made by the TWG of PAMB that states, Illegal occupants are to vacate and illegal structures are to be demolished for PAMB approval in accordance with Articles 449, 450 and 451 of the Civil Code of the Republic Of the Philippines and Section 21 of Republic Act 7586 or the NIPAS Act, and Section 4A that states, Illegal structures outside of hazard zone shall be utilized for public use as maybe determined by the PAMB.

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No demolition at NNNP