Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 21) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday ordered visibility patrols and a sustained police presence at the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal.
PBGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Calabarzon, issued the directive to ensure normalcy in the area after firearms were confiscated from security guards of the Sinagtala agency during an inspection last Sept. 19.
The armed men were earlier reported to have encamped near the nature reserve, prompting its caretakers to seek government help.
READ: Masungi caretakers seek gov’t action as armed ‘invaders’ remain encamped near site
After an inspection, the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) Calabarzon reported that the License to Own and Possess Firearms of the security agency expired last Jan. 30.
It was also discovered that the License to Exercise Security Profession of one of the security guards already expired, while nine have no records, and another one has an identical name on RCSU’s files.
The police said the security guards were directed to report to the RCSU Calabarzon headquarters in Calamba, Laguna on Sept. 28 to submit documents that will disprove its findings.
Meanwhile, Nartatez also directed the Tanay-PNP to probe reports of alleged harassment and assault on one of Masungi Georeserve’s caretakers.
Four teams were deployed to conduct 24-hour patrols in the protected area.
