DENR deputizes governors

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza has approved the proposal of provincial governors to grant them authority to arrest and be actively involved in prosecuting “environmental criminals.”

Atienza deputized the governors as partners of his department in environmental protection after hearing their complaints about their inability and deep frustration in stopping the illegal activities of environmental criminals in their respective areas.

The governors aired their sentiments on environmental matters during a dialogue with Atienza at the third annual meeting of the League of Provinces of the Philippines at the Manila Hotel last Tuesday.

“We are angry, frustrated and very much disenchanted in dealing with violators of environmental laws,” said South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes.

“We see several truckloads of illegally cut logs passing through our area and yet we are helpless to stop them,” she added.

The governors also lamented the slow judicial process in prosecuting violators of environmental laws.

They said many confiscated logs and vehicles simply rot in impounding areas because the cases remain pending in courts.