Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for a Senate investigation into the shooting of two forest rangers of Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal.
“The Masungi forest rangers have dedicated themselves to preserving and defending our environment, but unscrupulous individuals have attempted to take their lives,” said Hontiveros in a statement on Thursday, upon filing Senate Resolution 806 dated July 27.
The two forest rangers have undergone operations and are recuperating, the Masungi Georeserve group said in a recent post.
Hontiveros said the Senate Committee on Environment should also look into the private firms that have been illegally erecting structures as well as deploying armed guards in the protected area.
The rangers were shot — one on the neck and the other on the head — on Saturday evening in a reforestation site separate from the reserve but also covered by Masungi under its geopark project.
The attack took place near GSB resort which had been reportedly closed down due to illegal occupation of the forest land, Masungi said.
Masungi Georeserve, known for its scenic hiking trails and reforestation projects, had been the target of many encroachment attacks by private entities. Some violations include the burning of its trees.
While the police had earlier assured the public that it is looking into the incident, the conservation group also appealed for the presence of more security personnel.
READ: The fight to #SaveMasungi
