Jose Ma. Valencia, chief of staff of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., yesterday said he is calling a meeting with Task Force Ilahas personnel to discuss the protection of witnesses against those responsible for the burning of 50-hectares of reforestation in Minoyan, on February 2.

SuperintendentArmando Tubongbanua, TFI action officer, had earlier said they had two suspects in the burning,but witnesses were afraid to testify as they are believed to be armed.

Damage caused by fires, suspected to be intentional, that hit 50 has. of the Negros Occidental provincial government's Minoyan Reforestation Projectwas placed at P1,080,000.

Valencia said he is calling a meeting with TFI to discuss how witnesses can be protected.

The provincial government will not abandon  the Minoyan reforestation project because it is a watershed area that is the source of water of five local government units, he added.*CPG

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