The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in MIMAROPA has filed four additional environmental complaints against establishments operating inside the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area (ENMRPA) for alleged violations of protected area and forestry laws.
The latest cases, filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, bring the total number of environmental complaints in connection with alleged violations within the protected area to 28, the DENR said.
The complaints cite violations of Section 18(n) and (o) of Republic Act No. 7586, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, which prohibit the occupation of protected areas, construction of structures, and operation of businesses without required permits and clearances.
One of the cases also includes alleged violations of Section 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code, which penalizes the unauthorized cutting, removal, transport, or possession of forest products.
The DENR said the filings are part of continuing enforcement and case build-up efforts against unauthorized developments within the protected area.
At the same time, the agency reported what it described as compliance gains among some establishments previously issued Notices of Violation and Cease and Desist Orders.
“Several establishments previously issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) and Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) have voluntarily demolished unauthorized structures, ceased prohibited operations, and undertaken corrective measures to address regulatory deficiencies,” the DENR said.
The agency said these developments reflect a mix of enforcement and voluntary compliance, as establishments respond to regulatory actions in the protected area.
DENR emphasized that safeguarding El Nido’s ecosystems requires both accountability and cooperation, and said it remains committed to balancing environmental protection with sustainable and responsible development through continued monitoring and due process.
