DAR to investigate possible illegal conversions in Bulacan

Seven areas along Pulilan bypass road have been found by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) with no application for conversion during an ocular site inspection conducted by the DAR Provincial Office in Bulacan.

DAR-Bulacan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Abdullah M. Linog said estimated areas ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square meters of agricultural land were already dumped with soil and gravel.

“We have no records of any application for conversion submitted in the office,” Linog said, as they go through their files after the ocular inspection.

He said possible illegal activities could mean a direct insult to the agency considering that the DAR officials and personnel are always passing by the area daily.

“We are now gathering relevant information for possible filing of appropriate cases if we find certain irregularities in this undertaking. DAR will continue to protect agricultural areas against any illegal activities,” Linog said.

Linog emphasized that the conversion of lands to other uses is not illegal per se. Land conversion in a particular area can be allowed as warranted by the situation and through justifiable grounds and appropriate applicable guidelines that must be followed.

"As Filipino citizens, we must always abide by the law and the rules of the government for the well-being of our country," he ended.