COUNCILOR Temujin Ocampo told fellow councilor Bernard Al-ag to set an example and abide by the law after the latter was called out for trekking in the Battlefield Peak, Tagurano despite cease and desist order (CDO) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Ocampo, the committee chair on environment and natural resources, called out the attention of Al-ag in a privilege speech on Tuesday.
“I appeal to this esteemed body, that as legislators, we should set an example to the people of Davao City by being law abiders. To borrow the words of our well respected and veteran councilor, Pilar Barga – Lawmakers should not be law breakers,” he said.
This stemmed following Al-ag’s reported visit in the area on Sunday “to conduct consultation” among the residents, particularly on their living conditions, as the closure of establishments affected the livelihood and income of people in the community.
Ocampo explained that according to the barangay chair Danilo Camarillo, Al-ag proceeded to hike the trail despite being prevented by their Bantay Bukid.
The councilor shared that in one of their committee hearings, Camarillo raised alarm on the encroachment of establishments, influx of hikers and rampant irresponsible disposal of waste in the area, and inquired if he has the authority to ban the trek.
The said area was part of the watershed areas of Davao City and covered by the Watershed Code of Davao, City Ordinance No. 0675-21, Series of 2021 or An Ordinance Regulating Recreational Activities Within Watershed Conservation Areas of Davao City for the Protection, Conservation, Preservation of the Natural Environment; the new CLUP; and MANP-PAMO or the Mt. Apo National Park – Protected Area Management Office. The area is also part of the PAMB or the Protected Area Management Board and covered by the NIPAS act or the National Integrated Protected Areas System.
“These policies and laws were the basis of Punong Barangay Camarillo to disallow trekkers from entering the trekking sites inside Barangay Tagurano,” Ocampo said.
He added the policies were also grounds of DENR to implement the CDO to establishments operating without permit from line agencies within MANP.
This led to the closure of eight establishments in May namely: Seven Eleven, Angle View, Land of Peace, Lantaw Dabaw, Campo Rasta, Capitol, Quiboi, Walaway, and Battlefield included.
Ocampo cited City Ordinance No. 0675-21, Series of 2021, section no. 5 that “old and new trekking sites in environmentally critical areas should have prior approval from the WMC,” through a resolution.
The WMC also issued Resolution no. 3 in May 2021 prohibiting trekking activities in watershed areas.
However, Ocampo stressed the local government applied to the DENR to designate a trekking area in Tagurano, which is yet to be approved.
“Until this application is approved by the DENR, the trekking site in Tagurano shall remain closed and the business establishment will cease their unlawful operation,” he said.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus, author of the Ordinance Regulating Recreational Activities within the Watershed Areas of Davao City, stressed that as legislators, the law should be respected to send a right message to the public.
“We are not allowed to trek the trail if the DENR has not yet approved our application, since it is already a protected area,” Mahipus added.
Al-ag, however maintained in his position that his visit was not for leisure but for the welfare of the residents affected by the economic implication of the closure, and he was just “invited” to go there.
“To have no income for five months is very long, and five months is a very long time for Dabawenyos not to enjoy the beauty of the trail in the area,” he said.
Al-ag instead challenged Ocampo to do an ocular visit in the area for a “more effective” crafting of policies. He also urged the committee on environment to expedite the resolution and fast-track the DENR approval for the trail for the Dabawenyos to enjoy.
File photo by Bing Gonzales
