Rama: DENR can go after “pawikan” vendors in Pasil

CEBU, Philippines - Following reports of continued patronage for turtle stew locally called “larang” in Barangay Pasil, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he has no problem with environment officials enforcing the law in the city.

“I am fine with DENR doing their mandate on the illegal activity of cooking endangered turtles in Pasil. As long as they do not forget the presence of a local government unit,” Rama told reporters.

Without naming an institution, he added that there are other agencies that do not respect the jurisdiction of the city government.

“Naa’y uban nga makalimot nga naa pa ang city government (There are others who forget about the city government),” he added.

Rama urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be “more circumspect” on the matter.

“This issue involves not just DENR but our DVMF (Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries), and the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). Let’s be more practical in pursuing this,” he stressed.

He could not also help but make an election promise to address the problem if he gets reelected.

“Give me a council who will agree with my programs. Reelect me and I will help you address the problem,” Rama said.

He added that aside from zeroing in on turtles, officials can also look at environmental matters which the city is doing good at like the solid waste management among others.

Former DENR 7 director Maximo Dichoso created last May a regional task force pawikan to enforce the law against the illegal wildlife selling and cooking.

The team was composed of eight members from different sections and divisions on the wildlife animal welfare.

Since the formation of the task force, no reported illegal turtle traders has been jailed.— /FPL (FREEMAN)