Law Summary
Establishment of Provincial/City Task Forces on Illegal Conversion
- Creation of Provincial/City Task Forces tasked with monitoring illegal conversion cases in their respective areas.
- Each Task Force is headed jointly by the DAR Chief Legal Officer and the Provincial or City Prosecutor.
- Members include:
- Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) in the province
- Assistant Provincial/City Prosecutors delegated by the Provincial/City Prosecutor
- Two Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs) appointed by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO)
Duties and Responsibilities of Provincial/City Task Forces
DAR Members:
- Conduct field investigations and assemble case evidence.
- File complaint-affidavits with supporting documents before the prosecutor.
- Investigate ongoing development projects and conversions.
- Monitor the conversion situation within provinces and cities.
- Report findings to the National Task Force on Illegal Conversion.
- Perform additional functions as assigned by the National Task Force.
DOJ Prosecutor Members:
- Conduct inquest or preliminary investigations.
- File criminal cases against violators involved in illegal conversion.
- Submit monthly progress reports on cases to the National Task Force.
- Perform related functions as assigned by the National Task Force.
Effectivity
- The Joint Administrative Order takes effect immediately upon its promulgation on April 22, 1994.
This comprehensive structure integrates legal definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and prosecutorial processes to effectively combat the illegal conversion of agricultural lands under RA 6657.