Local government's have power to go after illegal loggers, says DILG

Provincial, city and municipal governments have the power to arrest illegal loggers and confiscate smuggled or illegally cut logs within their jurisdiction.

But Secretary Angelo Reyes of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said local councils must first pass ordinances that will give teeth to local environment officers.

Quoting an opinion released by the DILG legal division, Reyes said a city could empower its city environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) to take action against illegal loggers.

Illegal logging has been blamed for the recent flashfloods and landslides that killed hundreds in the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.

The DILG issued its opinion in response to a query from Mayor Roberto Uy of Dipolog City over possible measures that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dipolog could enact to curb illegal logging.

Reyes said the passage of an ordinance for the protection of the environment and the imposition of penalties for acts that endanger the environment is within the power of the Sanguniang Panlungsod.

Reyes said that under the Local Government Code of 1991 local government units (LGUs) may appoint an environment and natural resources officer to establish, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree parks, mangroves and similar areas.

LGUS may provide extension services and technical assistance for such forest development projects. LGUs may also coordinate with non-government organizations and government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to carry out measures to prevent and control land, air and water pollution.

But Reyes said any ordinance enacted by local councils should complement, not contravene, the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code, and other environmental laws.