Environment office, military sign pact to stop illegal loggers

PROVINCIAL offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the military for the creation and operation of monitoring checkpoints against illegal loggers.

The MOA dated August 6 was entered between the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) of Compostela Valley province, represented by PENR officer Glen Adonis Rico; Penro of Davao del Norte represented by PENR officer Julius Valdez; and the Army's 1003rd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 10th Infantry Division represented by its commanding general Brigadier General Eduardo del Rosario.

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Following the MOA signing, Rico said a corresponding seminar was conducted among assigned members of the military in reiterating the laws and importance of environment protection.

The document obtained from the Compostela Valley Penro said the DENR offices would have the responsibility to check and verify transport documents of all apprehended forest products made by elements of the 1003rd IB within their area of responsibility; accept turn-over apprehended forest products including tools, conveyances, implements, equipment, etc. used in the commission of the crime for safekeeping.

The two provincial offices should also submit weekly accomplishment reports for information, records and further appropriate action; to coordinate with the assigned elements of the 1003rd IB; and to perform such other functions as maybe instructed by higher authorities.

Meanwhile, the 1003rd IB has the duties and responsibilities to coordinate with concerned Penros; establish checkpoint within the area of responsibilities of the two Provincial offices; check the transport documents of all vehicles loaded with forest products passing along designated checkpoints; and apprehend those without the same.

The military should also turn over to the concerned PENR office all apprehended forest products for proper disposition both administratively and criminally to perform other functions as may be requested by the DENR or higher authorities.

Concerned PENR offices shall handle the administrative proceedings, filing of criminal case in court and likewise inform at all times the commander of the 1003rd IB. The elements of the concerned military unit shall assist and serve as witness during the administrative proceedings as well as during court hearing.

In the agreement's whereases, it was emphasized that the DENR is mandated by the government to protect, conserve, and develop the country's natural resources.

"There is a need to manage and protect the remaining forest resources of the country adopting the concept and principle of sustainable forest management support with sound and effective forest protection scheme. The provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley are known as timber corridor where forest resources are still abundant hence, there is a need to protect and preserve the remaining resources to achieve ecological balance and healthy environment and to combat environmental degradation and illegal exploitation."

"In order to effectively monitor the movement of forest products coming from the province of Agusan del Sur passing among the area of responsibilities of the parties involved, a checkpoint/monitoring station is hereby established to be manned by the elements of the 1003rd IB who has jurisdiction over the said area," the agreement states. (Jade C. Zaldivar)