BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Thursday the provincial government needs the help of the public in the campaign to save the remaining forest cover of the province.
Marañon’s call came on the heels of the massive cutting of trees in Barangay Canlusong, E.B. Magalona and timber poaching activities in the hinterlands of Cadiz City, all inside the Northern Negros Forest Reserve, and in the forest areas of Hinobaan town in southern Negros.
“It is not only happening in E.B, Magalona but also in Hinobaan where the last remaining forest cover in the province remains,” the governor said.
Marañon said there is no need to put up a reward to arrest those behind the illegal logging activities.
“If only the people will cooperate, then they can be caught,” he said, noting that the illegal cutting of trees is witnessed by residents of mountain areas.
“I believe they have financiers backing them up for their illegal activities,” the governor added.
With this situation, Marañon said he welcomes the training of members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA- ABB) as forest guards, who will be deployed in Negros Occidental and other provinces.