Mayor in Isabela calls for accountability after fire destroys huge portion of National Greening Program land

Isabela, Philippines – Mayor Arnold Edward Co of Delfin Albano in Isabela is determined to file charges against those who are responsible for a grass fire that ravaged a major section of National Greening Program, which spans around 600 hectares.

The incident that occurred in Barangay Carmencita on April 22 is said to be the largest grass fire recorded in said town.

Senior Fire Officer 3 of Delfin Albano Fire Station, Reynold Tamayo, said the blaze might have been caused by slash-and-burn farming.

The fire spread rapidly, making it difficult for the firemen to extinguish it.

The personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection – Delfin Albano asked for assistance from the fire stations in Mallig and Tumauini, but they had a hard time entering the area due to heavy smoke.

The firemen managed to save the protected area where the wild ducks and trees are, but a huge portion of NGP, where the saplings, Gmelina, and Narra are, was razed.

To prevent the same incident, Mayor Edward will pursue cases against individuals proven to be responsible for the blaze.