LP deploys environment cops

The Las Piñas City government has deployed some 100 "environment police agents" to ensure the strict implementation of the city’s anti-littering and illegal dumping ordinance.

Since last year, the police agents have apprehended more than 30 violators, a statement from the city government said. They were penalized by attending a whole day seminar, rendering community service, or were fined by as much as P500.

Mayor Vergel "Nene" Aguilar, in the statement said, that the mobilization of the environment police "is to discipline city residents and encourage them to comply with proper waste management."

The environment police is composed of city hall personnel, barangay officials and members of non-government organizations. They are authorized to "apprehend and penalize anyone caught dumping garbage, waste materials, animal cadavers, and the like on any public roads and places," the statement further said. — Nikko Dizon