PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Authorities here reported that a team leader from the Bantay Gubat Environmental Legal Enforcement Unit of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office was fatally attacked while conducting a monitoring patrol in a remote barangay.

Local police identified the victim as Jun Pacdaan, who was ambushed at around 11 a.m. on 3 December in Barangay Concepcion and reports said that the members of Bantay Gubat were caught off guard when someone suddenly opened fire while they were patrolling the mountainous area of the barangay.

Upon hearing gunshots, the group reportedly scattered, while Pacdaan was unable to follow after being struck by gunfire. He died from shotgun wounds to the forehead and mouth.

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) chief Atty. Carlo Gomez said Pacdaan and his team from the Bantay Gubat section were on duty, monitoring the critical habitat area in Purok Bagong Sikat in Concepcion, when they were attacked by armed individuals.

“City ENRO suffered its first sacrifice in protecting the critical habitat of Cleopatra’s Needle,” Gomez said in a statement as he condemned Pacdaan’s murder while paying tribute to his dedication to protecting the environment.

“We strongly condemn the senseless and treacherous murder of our Environmental Legal Enforcement team leader, Jun Pacdaan. He served City ENRO with full dedication and bravery to the last of his breath,” he added.

Gomez urged the barangay officials of Concepcion and its residents to share any information that could aid in apprehending those responsible for the attack.

Pacdaan played an important role in safeguarding the Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat from illegal activities. Gomez expressed deep sympathy to Pacdaan’s family and friends, mourning the loss of a committed protector of the environment.

He also reaffirmed the City ENRO’s dedication to preserving Puerto Princesa City’s remaining forests.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with no suspects identified so far and investigators suspect that the attack was carried out by individuals linked to illegal activities in the area.