DENR reduces number of checkpoints from 157 to 117

MANILA, Philippines - To curb graft and corruption reportedly being committed at forestry checkpoints, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reduced the number of checkpoints.

As of October 2010, a total of 157 checkpoints have been dismantled nationwide, with only 117 “essential” checkpoints remaining.

“The DENR has not wavered in its fight against illegal logging and other environmental law violations. Despite the threat and harassment, the government is making headway against illegal logging,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

In July this year, Paje said the DENR launched “Oplan Kalasangan” in the timber-rich regions of Cagayan Valley and Eastern Mindanao, which resulted in the confiscation of 14,760 pieces of illegally sourced timber with a volume of 2.9 million board feet.

These illegally sourced forest products were later donated to the Department of Education and to local government units.

He said the government is not oblivious to the hazards that forest protection officers face in the performance of their duties.

“We know very well the hazards being faced by our own people in the field every time they are sent out to check on reports of illegal logging incidences. But then, this is our job. And I genuinely appreciate our field people, including those from well-meaning environmental groups, who continue to believe in our mission to protect our environment not only for this generation but also for generations of Filipinos that will come after us,” said Paje.

He also bared the appointment of retired Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, whose military background, according to him, would be a “big plus” in strengthening the DENR’s Environmental Law Enforcement Task Force.

“The DENR is a civilian agency, and our officers have only papers or documents to show when they check on reported illegal acts. They are an easy target of illegal loggers who are not only fully armed but also have the latest in communication technologies,” Paje said.

The Environment secretary earlier reshuffled three of his top officials in Regions 7, 10 and 13, but said it is part of the DENR’s continuing organizational development.

“The reshuffling of field officials is not only a matter of cleansing the ranks but also part of the continuing effort of management to improve the managerial capabilities of our field people,” Paje explained.