By Benjamin Pulta
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has affirmed that there are no intentions to erect any correctional facilities on the BuCor’s 270-hectare plot within the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal. Instead, Catapang stated that plans involve establishing a detachment for forest rangers to oversee and safeguard the area under BuCor’s jurisdiction.
In his statement, Catapang emphasized BuCor’s duty to preserve the region as a significant part of the national heritage. He assured alignment with the Filipino populace in safeguarding natural resources. Furthermore, he reiterated BuCor’s commitment to refrain from utilizing the Masungi property in any manner detrimental to the ecology and long-term sustainability of the locality.
He said there are about 20 to 30 hectares out of the 270 hectares of “vacant spaces” at the bottom part of the Masungi that can be used for the forest ranger detachment without disturbing the landscape of the area.
“The bureau with proper coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will also conduct a delineation survey sometime next month, but do not misconstrue this to anything because we only want to determine the metes and bounds of BuCor Property that we need to secure,” Catapang said.
BuCor issued the statement after Senator Loren Legarda asked the agency not to build facilities in its legally-owned property in the area.
The 270-hectare Masungi property was awarded to the BuCor in 2006 through Proclamation No. 1158 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (PNA)
