Incoming Senator Erwin Tulfo meets with DENR Region III Officials to relay the directive on taking down illegal gates, fences, and barriers on DRT timber lands where the latter agreed and expressed immediate compliance. Photographs courtesy of Office of Erwin Tulfo.
INCOMING Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Local Government Unit of Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan to remove all illegal gates, fences, and barricades allegedly installed by a certain “JJ Javier” on the timber lands in Barangay Kalawakan by June 30.
Last Tuesday, Tulfo met with the DENR Region III officials, led by Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, where he relayed the directive. The officials, in turn, said that they will immediately take the necessary measures to comply with such order.
Tulfo made the directive following his personal inspection of the area last June 9, where he witnessed how the barriers have blocked access roads and disrupted the daily lives of local residents, especially the farmers.
“This is unacceptable. These illegal gates and barricades are blocking roads and livelihoods. I will personally ensure that this issue is resolved swiftly. In coordination with the DENR, LGU, and the police, we will have these structures demolished before June 30,” said Tulfo.
The incoming senator further stressed that no one is beyond the law especially when it comes timber lands classified as forest lands because these are inalienable and non-disposable lands of public domain so it should not be bought or sold as private property by anyone.
Last May, members of Aniban ng mga Magsasaka, Mangingisda, at Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (AMMMA), DRT, Bulacan Chapter reached out to Tulfo to complain the illegal gates blocking their access roads. These illegal barricades, walls, and gates are allegedly owned by a private individual named “JJ Javier.”
Javier is accused of land grabbing and forcibly claiming farmland through intimidation, violence, and verbal threats against farmers and residents in Brgy. Kalawakan, DRT.
“This is a blatant disrespect to our people and our nation. I am not afraid of anyone—whether they hold influence or not. I will see to it that those illegally occupying our forest lands are removed,” Tulfo asserted.
He emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated action from government agencies—primarily the DENR, the local government of DRT, and the Philippine National Police.
“As a legislator, I will exercise my oversight powers to ensure laws protecting our forestlands are strictly implemented. My first act as Senator will be to safeguard these public lands and uphold the rights and welfare of our farmers,” Tulfo concluded.
