DOJ to boost prosecution of environmental crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is crafting a manual on the prosecution of environmental crimes to preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations.

The DOJ recently held a three-day “writeshop” to strengthen collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcers to better address environmental crimes.

The activity gathered prosecutors, law enforcers and environmental experts to help craft a unified manual on the prosecution of environmental crimes.

The event was led by the Task Force on Environmental Cases and Team Kalikasan of the National Prosecution Service-Special Projects Division.

The DOJ said the manual would serve as a comprehensive guide for prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in enforcing environmental laws such as the Philippine Fisheries Code or Republic Act 8550 as amended by RA 10654, Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act and RA 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Law.

“It is high time we make a collective stand to fight against those who exploit nature for the well-being of the next generations to come. Justice is on our side and we will win this battle together for mother Earth,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.