Environment desks to be set up in all police stations

Stepping up efforts to prevent further environmental destruction, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is putting up environmental desks in all police stations nationwide.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor said his agency has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish such police desks to go after violators of environmental laws.

"The country’s environmental problems have reached such a point that a stronger partnership with various agencies of the government for more systematic law enforcement is called for," he said.

"We have sufficient laws to protect our forests, water and air, including our mineral resources, thus it is high time that we orchestrate our moves," he added.

Under the agreement, a police environment desk officer (PEDO) will be designated in each precinct. The DENR will conduct regular training for these PEDOs.

Defensor said the DENR regional office in Iloilo City has already trained some 70 law enforcers on environmental laws.

Vicente Paragas, DENR Region 6 executive director, said the policemen were briefed on the Clear Air Act (Republic Act 8749), Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), Toxic Substances and Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Control Act (RA 6969), Philippine Wildlife Act (RA 9147) and the Philippine Environment Impact Assessment System (Presidential Decree 1586).

Paragas said the police officers were also briefed on the procedures for the issuance of DENR permits such as environmental compliance certificates and permits for the cutting and transport of forest products.