DENR creates superbody vs illegal mining, logging

In line with President Duterte’s tough stance against illegal logging and mining activities, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is leading a task force that will put an end to the rampant destruction of the environment.

“It’s over. They cannot do these (crimes) anymore,” said Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, referring to companies that violate environmental laws.

“We now have to do the enforcement,” she said of the National Anti-Environmental Crimes Task Force, which would ensure strict compliance of environmental laws from all environmental stakeholders.

The DENR signed on Monday a memorandum of agreement with representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation, Department of National Defense and Department of Justice.

Led by the DENR, the task force would investigate violations to environmental laws and form law enforcement teams as needed. It can also set up and man checkpoints in transit areas of illegally harvested natural resources.

Lopez said members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard would also be deployed.

“I don’t need gold, you don’t need gold,” she said on the crackdown of mining firms. “Gold is not an essential thing for survival. You need trees.”

The group will also respond to calls from the Environment chief as well as reports from citizens through the department’s action hotlines.