SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique –The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 reported lesser apprehensions on illegal transportation of forest products in 2018.
Compared to 2017, the Enforcement Division (ED) of the DENR 6 reported a total of 158 apprehensions. Meanwhile, 2018 recorded a total of 120 apprehensions in the region, a 24.06 percent decrease compared to 2017.
“This is largely due to our strengthened collaboration with the local government units, the police and the army forces. Without them, we at the DENR would still be wanting in our capacity to fully enforce the environmental laws,” said ED Chief June Melissa C. Garol.
As per 2018 record, the province of Antique had the highest apprehensions made with 43 incidents. On the other hand, Negros Occidental posted 33; Capiz, 21; Aklan, 18; Guimaras, 3; and Iloilo, 2. Most of the illegally transported forest products which were apprehended are lumber flitches, round logs, firewood and charcoal.
“It is good news that we were able to decrease the apprehensions of illegally transported forest products. It only shows that people felt the presence of the DENR and that they are becoming more aware of the environmental laws that we keep implementing,” notes DENR 6 regional executive director Francisco E. Milla, Jr.
One of the ten priority programs of DENR secretary Roy A. Cimatu is the Intensified Forest Protection and Anti-Illegal Logging, which focuses on the enforcement of environmental laws, rules and regulations. Thus, the Department ensures that it will strengthen its campaign against illegal logging, illegal cutting, unwarranted gathering, collecting, removing and illegal possession of timber and other forest products./PN
