Declaring a Total Log Ban in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

December 22, 2011

ARMM EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1-11

DECLARING A TOTAL LOG BAN IN THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

WHEREAS, Section 5, Article X of R.A. 9054 provides, among others, that ". . . the proclamation issued by the central government or national government declaring old growth or natural forests and all watersheds within the autonomous region as forest reserves are hereby reiterated. The forest reserves shall not be subjected to logging operations of any nature or kind. Forest concessions, timber licenses, contracts, or agreements of any kind or nature whatsoever granted by the central government or national government or by the Regional Government as of the date of the approval of this Organic Act, are hereby cancelled, nullified and voided, and shall not be renewed until thirty (30) years after the approval of this Organic Act . . .". ASTcEa

WHEREAS, it cannot be denied that the fast depletion of the forest cover due to unbridled logging in the region is the main culprit of all these catastrophic natural calamities such as typhoon "Sendong" that recently hit Northern Mindanao particularly the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan damaging billions of properties and, killing hundreds of our people in these areas.

WHEREAS, it is time that logging in the region has to stop and, the ban on logging as mandated by the afore-cited provisions of R.A. 9054 has to be carried out seriously and, indiscriminately.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MUJIV S. HATAMAN, Regional Governor, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order a total log ban in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and, hereby declare:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the Regional Government to carry out a total log ban in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao consistent with the constitutional mandate to protect the environment, promote ecological balance and, sustainable development. Consequently, forest concessions, timber licenses, contracts or agreements of any kind or nature whatsoever granted by the national government or by the Regional Government are hereby cancelled and declared null and void. aEHAIS

SECTION 2. Exemption to the Ban. — For proper implementation of government services, permits may be issued for the clearing of road rights of way by the Department of Public Works and Highways of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM), site preparation for tree plantations and, silvicultural treatment and, similar activities, provided, that all logs are to be turned over to DENR-ARMM for proper disposal.

SECTION 3. Respect to the IPRA Law. — Tree cutting associated with cultural practices pursuant to the provisions of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (R.A. 8371) may be allowed subject to strict compliance of existing guidelines of DENR-ARMM.

SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. — All executive orders, circulars or instructions inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or revoked accordingly.

SECTION 5. Effectivity. — This Executive Order shall take effect immediately after publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the region. SIEHcA

Done in the City of Cotabato, Philippines, this 22nd day of December, 2011.

(SGD.) MUJIV S. HATAMANOIC Regional GovernorAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao