Gunshots reported in Puguis forest

LA Trinidad forest guards reported hearing gunshots at the Puguis Communal Forest alarming Valley officials.

Forest guard Joseph Luciano reported more than 16 gunshots were allegedly heard by community residents at ‘Copas Land claim’ near the additional communal forest zone, September 22.

There were more shots allegedly, it was not exactly mentioned but more from them [residents] were reported,” Luciano said.

Mayor Romeo Salda said no casualties were reported in the site.

“Haan nga naiverify ngem sigurado nga ada. Awan met ti casualty nga nai-report idjay hospital or police tayo regarding jay firing,” [It was not verified although it was certain that a firing occurred.]

Valley top cop Benson Macli-ing said no reports of the shooting were brought to the police “No evidence were claimed, no evidence of affidavit, it was an alleged report and it is hard to release results where in continuous follow up are still ongoing with the forest guards who did not report in the office.”

In many occasions’ representatives from Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police, local engineering office reported continuing intrusion within the forest where claimants persist to conduct ground improvements and construction.

“There are still many, at least in my experience with approaching them they are presenting documents, certifications, they bought it from someone,” Luciano said.

Salda said they are still waiting for the court decision filed addressing the illegal settlers’ continuous construction at the communal forest.