The Philippine National Police has said it is up to the local courts to pass judgment on the dispute at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal where armed men were accused of planning to take over portions of the reservation area.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo assured the public that the police will, nonetheless, maintain high visibility in the area to maintain the peace in the ecological reservation.

Fajardo made the statement shortly after the Masungi Georesetve Foundation urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and other government officials, including PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr, to order the arrest of guards from the Sinagtala Security Agency.

Over a dozen guns were seized from the guards this week after they failed to produce the licenses for the firearms which, a regional police official said, were found to be registered with the agency.

The foundation has been claiming that about 30 Sinagtala guards have encamped at Kilometer 48 of the reservation since last week, allegedly preparing to grab huge tracks of protected land.

Survey plan

Sinagtala representatives claimed they have a survey plan under the name of one Beatriz Sonquipal that was reportedly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office in the early 2000s.

The Masungi Foundation stressed the survey plan is not proof of ownership and cannot be used in taking land titled in favor of the government.

Fajardo said that they are seeking the help of the DENR regarding the matter.

"If there are issues with respect to ownership since the adverse claimant is occupying an area and even hired a security agency, I think it is best decided by the proper court," she told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday held at Camp Crame.