The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently working with other relevant government agencies to push an "integrated approach" for the affected residents of Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering in Socorro town amid the suspension of the protected area agreement.

This was bared by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga during the Senate's deliberation of the Proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program of the DENR and its attached agencies on Wednesday.

Loyzaga clarified that the DENR has only suspended the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement or PCBRMA with the Socorro Bayanihan Service Incorporated pending the ongoing investigation of the group's alleged violations.

At the hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the possible implications of the suspended accord to more than 3,500 residents currently staying in the area.

Loyzaga said the DENR will meet with the heads of the Department of the Interior and the Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Justice to further discuss the supposed "integrated approach" concerning the members of the SBSI and those residing in Sitio Kapihan.

She said the SBSI leadership has already received a copy of the suspension order of its existing protected area agreement with the DENR.

"Just to update, we are now in coordination with Secretary Benhur Abalos, Secretary Remulla of the DoJ, and Secretary Rex Gatchalian for an integrated approach to the investigations regarding this particular situation so there will be a meeting tomorrow," she added.