A top environment official has asked Congress to hasten the passage of a law creating an enforcement bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that would arm forest rangers and ensure their safety. Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, who is in charge of solid waste management and local government concerns, made the call after a group led by forest ranger Roldan Alvarez was allegedly harassed and arrested by a team led by Police Col. Marion Balonglong, then police chief of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province on June 10. Three Community Environment and Natural Resources Office foresters, four forest rangers and a forest protection officer, along with two barangay watchmen, went to the area to investigate reports of illegal occupation and massive mangrove cutting when they were accosted by Balonglong and his men.

Andrade, J. I., & Miranda, R. (2020, June 17). DENR to Congress: Rush law to protect forest rangers. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A8.