The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), on October 3, physically enforced Cease and Desist Orders (CDO) against three resorts that have continually operated without permits inside the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).
Under the direction of Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement Norlito Eneran, DENR Region IV-CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, and Rizal Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer Ramil Limpiada, a composite team executed the closures. The team was led by Director Reuel Sorilla of the Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) and UMRBPL Protected Area Superintendent Grace Malabanan, with support from the Legal and Enforcement Divisions of DENR Region IV-CALABARZON and representation from the DENR Legal Affairs Service under Director Raymond Velicaria through Atty. Gino Leocadio S. Paje, OIC Chief of the Legal Crisis Prevention and Management Division.
After a coordination meeting with Mayor Wilfredo C. Robles, and the barangay, the team padlocked the main gate of Danum Baker Resort and reinforced its closure with a chain and an official “CLOSED” poster. This action was taken in the presence of the resort’s caretaker and supplemented a previously installed DENR tarp indicating its violation.
Upon arrival at Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis, which share a common entrance, the enforcement team found the main gate already locked and unattended. Due to the absence of a service entrance and reports that the gate is a vital access point for local communities residing further inside the area, the team decided against padlocking the gate to avoid denying public access. Instead, prominent closure posters for both establishments were posted on the gate itself.
The three establishments were among nine resorts within the protected landscape previously issued with either a CDO or a Show Cause Order (SCO). This physical enforcement was necessary as these were the only resorts found to be continually operating. The DENR confirmed that the remaining six establishments issued with similar orders have since complied and are not in operation.
The operation sends a strong message that the DENR, under the leadership of Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, is resolute in its mandate to enforce environmental laws and ensure that the country’s natural treasures are protected for the benefit of all Filipinos. ### (DENR)
