Government sues illegal settlers in Mt. Sto. Tomas forest reserve

TUBA, Benguet – Illegal settlers who built homes on the controversial Mt. Sto. Tomas forest reserve here were sued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The watershed had been the object of environmentalists’ concern after hundreds of pine trees were earlier cut allegedly on orders of a top Baguio official.

Sto. Tomas is also the subject of an ongoing case filed by Catholic bishop Carlito Cenzon of Baguio-Benguet seeking writ of kalikasan to protect the watershed.

At least thirteen cases of violations of the forestry code were filed against the illegal settlers, who even expanded their houses, said DENR-Cordillera executive director Ralph Pablo. 

He said residents in the area earlier agreed to stop expanding their houses in compliance with a law declaring Mt. Sto. Tomas a forest reserve.

But the illegal settlers, whose houses were demolished six months ago, reportedly returned and built sturdier and wider structures.

Shanties started to mushroom in the area when it was made the setting of ABS-CBN telenovela “Forevermore” last year.

Pablo said most of the demolished structures were made of light materials and tents, but the illegal settlers returned and built houses with galvanized iron.

Small-scale miners have also invaded the mountain, prompting the DENR to urge the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to put a stop on these operations.

Reports said at least 10 tunnels in the area were being used by a mine operator, despite the issuance of a stoppage order by the MGB.

The DENR said Mt. Sto. Tomas is located within a critical watershed, which supplies potable water to Baguio City, including downstream communities in Tuba and Rosario in La Union.