The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has shut down three resorts found to be operating illegally within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape in Rizal.
The Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis have been issued cease and desist orders for allegedly operating without the required permits from the DENR.
The closure order was served on Oct. 3 by a composite team led by DENR Assistant Secretary for legal affairs and enforcement Norlito Eneran, DENR-Calabarzon director Nilo Tamoria and Rizal provincial environment and natural resources officer Ramil Limpiada.
After coordinating with the local government of Baras, the DENR team padlocked the main gate of the Danum Baker Resort in the presence of the resort caretaker.
The team installed a chain and signage marked ‘CLOSED,’ reinforcing an earlier notice of violation issued by the DENR.
At Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis, which share a common entrance, the team found the main gate already locked and unattended.
To allow residents from nearby communities who rely on the route to pass through, the team opted not to padlock the gate.
Instead, a signage marked ‘CLOSED’ was also attached on the common gate of the establishments to inform visitors and excursionists that the resorts are no longer available.
The three resorts were among nine establishments operating within the protected area that were issued either cease and desist or show-cause orders.
The DENR said that among the facilities ordered to stop operating, only the Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis were found to have defied the closure order.
The remaining six establishments have since complied and ceased operations.
The Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, a critical watershed supplying water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has long been under environmental pressure due to illegal structures and tourism activities.