Two persons found cultivating a farm in Lake Balinsasayao, Sibulan town, Oriental Negros, will be charged for destruction of habitat, Dumaguete-based Community Environment and Natural Resources officer Charlie Fabre said.

The lake, located six kilometers from Dumaguete City, has been declared a protected zone and is one of the major tourist attractions of the province.

Fabre said the suspects, whom he did not identify, were found to have harvested abaca in the lake area recently.

On Monday Gov. George Arnaiz asked Fabre to investigate the reported "kaingin" or slash-and-burn activity in the lake, and to file charges against those engaged in it.

Fabre said those sent to look into the allegation found no kaingin operation being conducted, but abaca remains that appeared like burned trees and prompted residents to call the attention of the governor.

Fabre said those who harvested the abaca will be charged because all forms of farming is prohibited in the protected zone. Besides, he added, in the process of harvesting the abaca, some trees were also affected.

The provincial government had funded the reforestation project in the lake to develop it as one of the main tourist attractions of the province.*RA

back to top