More Than 30 Armed Men 'Invade' Masungi Georeserve
At least 30 armed men have encamped on Km. 48 of the Marikina-Infanta Highway within the vicinity of Masungi Georeserve, and are reportedly planning to take over huge tracts of land in the protected area so they can sell the land to third parties.
“Let’s be clear: This is an invasion,” Masungi Georeserve wrote on their Facebook page on September 18, Sunday.
Masungi’s defenders confronted the armed men, who refused to leave.
In a series of photogaphs taken by Masungi Georeserve, it can be seen how multiple cars allegedly used by the armed men were parked on the roadside within the protected sanctuary. Masungi Georeserve said these men arrived last week and are planning to take over tracts of land from a part of Masungi’s conservation site and the Kaliwa Watershed protected area.
According to Masungi Georeserve, a certain “Major” Laino/Layno claimed he has a title for the land and that he has long been in the area.
“When asked to show this title, he failed to show anything. He also denies knowing any of the 30 people on the illegal encampment despite some of them saying that they are working for him. He claims to be a retired military official,” Masungi Georeserve said in a statement.
“For the record, the hired security men all also refuse to disclose any details such as their names and contact details so that we might check the legitimacy of their claims and arrangements. If this is not shady business, there is no need to obstruct the verification process by withholding even basic information and avoiding accountability,” it added.
As of 6 p.m. on Monday, September 19, a regional police unit came to Masungi Georeserve and confiscated high-powered guns discovered at the site of the encroachers.
"Illegal firearms from the invading armed group are being confiscated by a regional police unit. Unlicensed firearms are punishable by the law and we are awaiting the arrest of these people," Masungi Georeserve wrote.
Despite the illegal arms being confiscated, the police did not arrest the men.
"The armed group has NOT been arrested despite the discovery of illegal firearms," Masungi added.
