DENR, PNP sign MOA to strengthen environmental law enforcement
Iloilo City (24 February) -- Expect a strengthened government campaign on environmental protection with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Environment and the Philippine National Police.
The DENR press report disclosed that under the MOA, the DENR will deputize active PNP officers and personnel as environment and natural resources officers as provided for under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2008-22, and increase the law enforcement capability of the PNP regarding environment and natural resources such as forest resources, coastal and marine, mineral resources, wildlife and cultural properties laws, rules and regulations.
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza stressed that the DENR needs police support in the department's law enforcement activities, particularly in its stepped-up campaign to protect the country's water bodies from illegal fish pens, fish cages and other structures.
The agreement was signed by DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and Police Deputy Director General Gerry Barias, in behalf of PNP chief Police Director General Jesus A. Verzosa, on the occasion of the 18th founding anniversary of the PNP Maritime Group at Camp Crame in Quezon City, last February 23, the DENR press report disclosed.
The Environment and Natural Secretary said the agreement was timely as the DENR pursues a more vigorous campaign against environmental law violations. Atienza has earlier declared 2009 as a law enforcement year, the DENR press report disclosed.(PIA 6/T. Villavert) [top]
