PCSDS strengthens security over Calauit
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) has strengthened
security measures over the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
following reports that the national government is inclined to transfer
its management from PCSDS to another government agency. This came in
the wake of allegedly lax security measures being imposed in the area
as manifested by the free movement of outsiders and poachers within
the protected sanctuary.
PCSDS said their main concern is to ensure the safety and security of
the exotic African and endemic animals on the island from intrusion
of Balik Calauit Movement (BCM) members who build structures and conduct
animal hunting in the sanctuary. The BCM claimed ownership of the Calauit
Island.
Based on the PCSDS 2001 report, several cases have been filed and are
in progress in the local courts against members of the BCM for trespassing
and for hunting animals in the area. Conflict between the PCSD and the
BCM was further aggravated and ignited late last year when a PCSD security
guard fired a BCM member who allegedly intruded and conducted bird hunting
in the sanctuary. The victim, who sustained gun shot wounds, is currently
recuperating from the operation.
PCSDS meanwhile expressed hope and optimism that the conflict between
them and the BCM will be resolved soon. They likewise urged BCM members
to observe the existing rules and laws being imposed in the sanctuary
while the case on the island’s ownership is being heard and pending
before the Supreme Court. (PCSDS)
