DENR forms task force vs illegal logging

MANILA, Philippines - Anti-illegal logging task forces will be set up across the country as part of the government’s intensified campaign to protect the country’s dwindling forest cover.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said that Resolution 2011-003, adopted by the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (NAILTF), called for the creation of local anti-logging task forces in every region – except the National Capital Region – to give more teeth to government’s drive to save the country’s forests.

Paje said the move was also in response to a provision in Executive Order 23, calling for greater coordination between NAILTF and local government units.

“To underscore the role of the LGUs in the implementation of EO 23, Resolution No. 2011-003 designates the Regional Task Forces to act on reports by local executives, through their provincial governors or regional directors of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” Paje said.

Resolution 2011-003 provides that LGUs, in coordination with NAILTF, should “ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destruction” take place within their jurisdictions.

Paje reminded concerned local officials to “exercise extra vigilance” against illegal loggers or face severe sanctions, including criminal charges to be filed by the local government secretary who is also a member of the five-man NAILTF.

Under the resolution, regional task forces would be chaired by DENR regional executive director with the DILG regional director as vice chair. The PNP regional director and the brigade commander of the military would serve as members.

The regional task forces would be “responsible for the overall implementation of EO 23 in their respective areas of jurisdiction and shall directly report to the NAILTF.”

The RTFs “can call upon the support of all government agencies,” including the PNP and Armed Forces.

Environmental desks under the PNP Regional Directorate and the AFP Brigade Commanders “are to “coordinate the provision of police and military support to all anti-illegal logging operations.”

Meanwhile, the DENR has cancelled the permits of four Isabela-based logging companies in compliance with President Aquino’s order for a nationwide logging moratorium.

The DENR said the affected firms were operating in northern Isabela through their respective Integrated Forest Management Agreements (IFMA) issued by the national government.

Earlier, Benjamin Tumaliuan, DENR executive director for Cagayan Valley, identified two of the logging firms as Luzon Mahogany Timber Corp. and Pacific Timber Export Co. The two others have not been identified. – With Charlie Lagasca