DENR intensifies drive vs. illegal logging, creates task forces

KORONADAL CITY – In
a bid to sustain and to strengthen the regional anti-illegal logging efforts,
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12),headed by Regional
Director Datu Tungko Saikol, createda multi-sectoral task force in different municipalities
of the Province of Sultan Kudarat. The creation ofMunicipal Anti-illegal Logging Task Forces in the municipalities of
Sultan Kudaratis not only a big
boosts in our regional anti-illegal logging efforts, but it is also a strategic
move on the part of DENR and partner agencies to protect the remaining forest
resources in the province,” Saikol said.Recently,
a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked between DENR the local government units ofKalamansig and
Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Community Environment and Natural Resources
Officer (CENRO), represeneted byBadjury Mustapha, police and representatives from police, Philippine Marines 7th Battalion Landing Team and Department of National Defense.During the MOA signing,Mustapha reported the recent apprehension of illegally cutlumber and a vessel as the campaign was intensified.He urged local officials, the public, police and military authorities to cooperate in the fight against environmental destruction. I appeal for vigilance inprotecting the forest
resources, Mustapha said.DENR-12 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Hadja Didaw D. Piang-Brahim stressed the need for para-legal orientation prior to the
signing of the MOA. The orientation will provide a venue for the partner
agencies and the local government units to level off with their respective
duties and functions and further brief them with the para-legal procedures,” Brahim said.

Serving
as resource persons Legal Division Chief Atty. Racman C. Bubong and Enforcement
Division Chief Dirie Macabaning emphasized the importance of being familiar
with the apprehension and the procedures in filing cases.

The
creation of Municipal Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and para-legal
orientation for the Municipality of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat is scheduled on
August 16.

DENR Executive Order No. 23 provides for the creation of anti-illegal logging
task force to enforce moratorium against the cutting and harvesting of timber
in the natural and residual forests.