COTABATO CITY — The implementation of Camp Kibaritan’s relocation survey will officially commence as the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Region 10 sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 5 May 2022 for the conduct of survey and mapping of the 42,265-hectare Camp.

“We express our support to the implementation of the survey and mapping of Camp Kibaritan. While it is important to know the metes and bounds of this military reservation, it is also necessary to consider the plight of the communities that will be affected by this activity,” MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim said.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 134 s. 1963, the survey and mapping of Camp Kibaritan covers the areas located in the municipalities of Talakag, Kalilangan and Pangantucan, Bukidnon and portion of the municipalities of Amay Manabilang, Bubong, Maguing and Puso Buntiong, Lanao del Sur. Following the BOL, part of this Proclamation now falls under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro region.

“This activity is a symbol of recognition of the jurisdiction and authority of the BARMM and the MENRE under the Bangsamoro Organic Law or the RA 11054. This MOA is an example of the implementation of that Organic Law, which is the fruit of the Bangsamoro struggle,” MENRE Bangsamoro Director General Atty. Badr E. Salendab said.

Under the MOA, the MENRE shall provide representatives for the relocation team and give assistance in coordinating and consulting with the Local Government Units and communities in the BARMM, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Moreover, the DENR-10 will lead the relocation survey through the hired surveyors and establish concrete monuments in the identified points. The DENR will also coordinate with and disseminate information to the LGUs regarding the relocation. Both agencies will monitor the progress of the project and provide recommendations as needed to the relocation team.

“We are looking forward to more endeavors between the BARMM-MENRE and the DENR where we can continue to help each other ensure a smooth implementation of activities of national and local importance,” DENR-10 Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, PhD said.

Signing the MOA were MENRE Minister Brahim, BDG Salendab, DENR-10 RED Adornado, Assistant RD Felix S. Mirasol, Jr., Department of National Defense Real Estate Officer Capt. Joseph Ernest Say, and the Contractor, Engr. Fernando F. Guerra.

Moving forward, ARD Mirasol said that the parties need to meet with LGUs to consult with them regarding the relocation. Under the existing procedures, there are five (5) municipalities included in the activity and the number of barangays affected has not been identified yet. In the next phase, as stated in the MOA, the MENRE will provide assistance in consulting with the concerned LGUs. Quarterly or monthly meetings will also be organized to discuss matters, updates, and arising issues.

Last 9 March, MENRE and DENR held a dialogue meeting in preparation for today’s MOA signing. BDG Salendab highlighted MENRE’s vital participation in the survey in pursuant to the BOL. Land Management Services (LMS) Director Eshan Karl O. Mabang also emphasized the importance of setting the boundary points and cooperating with concerned agencies for the success of the relocation process.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Community ENRE Officer Asnawi A. Dataman also accompanied the MENRE Minister during the MOA signing with DENR-10. PENR and CENR Officers of Lanao del Norte and concerned contractors were also present in the activity.