— The Department of Environment and Natural Resources suspended on Friday a 2004 deal awarded to the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. in Surigao del Norte which grants certain rights and privileges to the group over state-owned land.
It explained that the PACBRMA is a legal instrument between the department and tenured migrant groups to develop and conserve a portion of a protected area for a 25-year period. The DENR said it began investigating SBSI’s alleged violations of the agreement in 2019, including restriction of entry in the area, establishment of checkpoints and military-like training, and establishment of structures within the PACBRMA area.
The agency said it will coordinate with other government agencies to ensure the smooth and peaceful enforcement of the suspension order and the possible resettlement of the occupants.