The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Friday ordered three units of the department to probe illegal logging and squatting at the Angat Dam watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje told the Field Operations unit of the DENR, Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and regional office of the department in Central Luzon to investigate the claims and file charges against those found to be engaged in illegal activities.

“We have to protect the watershed from any encroachment and other illegal activities that would compromise the integrity of the Angat Dam, especially at this time that our water supply has been affected by the impact of the El Niño phenomenon,” he said.

Reports are rife that 600 illegal settlers, among them employees of the National Power Corp. (Napocor), have been in the watershed for the past 20 years and are occupying portions of the watershed in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray.

The Angat watershed has a total area of 62,309 hectares.

“We have to look into the veracity of the report. If indeed there are illegal settlers in the watershed, it is the responsibility of the Napocor to clear the area of squatters,” Paje said.

Paje also directed the three DENR offices to look into the reported illegal cutting of trees in the watershed.

There have been 30 alleged cases of timber poaching in the area from 2005 to 2010.

“If this will be verified by our team, we will have to assess Napocor’s capability to manage and protect the Angat Dam and its watershed and work closely with them to effectively protect the watershed,” Paje said.

Executive Order No. 258 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995 assigns the full control and management of Angat watershed and reservation to the Napocor, including the resettlement or relocation of occupants or settlers in the area and the enforcement of forestry and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

On the other hand, DENR is directed to provide the necessary assistance in the formulation and implementation of comprehensive plans and programs relative to the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of the watershed.