DENR-7 chief warns corrupt personnel

CEBU, Philippines -  The head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - 7 issued a stern warning against the agency's officials and personnel who may be involved in illegal activities, particularly in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP).

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director, issued the warning amid reports that some DENR workers are involved in corrupt activities such as in seedling production.

In a statement sent to The Freeman, Montejo said that these employees make money by selling the seedlings to a people's organization or to private partners who have existing contracts with the DENR-7.

Montejo said that there is now an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Legal Division on this matter.

"I am duty-bound to exercise the full extent of the law and to impose administrative sanctions against erring employees without prejudice to the filing of criminal charges against the offenders, if found guilty," said Montejo.

Meanwhile, Montejo ordered the creation of a five-member team to conduct a continuous monitoring on the status of implementation of NGP.

He said they are doubling their efforts to meet their balance of 19,610.43 hectares. As of July 19, Montejo said they already accomplished 20 percent of the targeted 24,361 hectares. (FREEMAN)