CEBU CITY – The Region 7 office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has warned individuals living in protected areas like the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) from pursuing developments without the necessary permits, saying such is punishable under the National Integrated Protected Area Systems Act (NIPAS).

DENR7 Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca reiterated its warning after finding out that a certain Betty Rivero has constructed an access road, a pool and impounding dam, flower gardens, and trails inside the CCPL without DENR permit.

Sibbaluca said that after conducting a survey in the area, the Regional Investigation Team recommended the filing of criminal charges against Rivero and company for violation of NIPAS (RA 7586) and the denial of her application for Special Agreement inside Protected Areas (SAPA).

Sibbaluca stressed that “buying and selling is prohibited within the CCPL area and those who violate this law will be slapped with appropriate charges.”

The DENR 7 official disclosed that during the actual field inspection and verification by the investigating team last May 27, Rivero’s residence was found to be in actual development, which is part of the “Adopt-a-Mountain Program.”

Sibbaluca explained that on November 15, 2000 a Memorandum of Agreement was executed between then DENR Secretary Antonio H. Cerilles and General Tiburcio Fusilero on the “Adopt-a-Mountain Program” covering 504 hectares located in Cantipla, Tabunan.