Forest patrol preps evidence
Villagers who have spent recent days patrolling Prey Lang forest would file a complaint to the prime minister alleging government officials and private companies are clearing parts of the forest, a spokesman said yesterday. … The 70-strong citizen patrol team who scoured the forest this week had evidence proving these officials included soldiers, police and environmental workers – and it was time for Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government to take action against them, [Chheang] Vuthy [a representative of residents in Kampong Thom province’s Sandan district] said. … Sandan district governor Oung Moly said it was highly unlikely the deforestation the villagers spoke of was actually taking place in Prey Lang. Deputy provincial governor Uth Sam Orn, however, admitted there was crime taking place in the forest and the authorities were cracking down on it. …
