The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) on Thursday sought the support of the local government units (LGUs) in protecting the forest and wildlife during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
PENRO officer Eriberto Saños told Palawan Daily News Thursday, April 9, they asked LGUs’ cooperation especially during ECQ when the agency can only mobilize a skeletal workforce.
“Iyon nga lagi naming panawagan sa kanila, siyempre unang-una kung may mga violations sa environment siyempre ‘yong unang-unang makaka-detect niyan ay ‘yong community, ‘yong ating LGUs. So lagi ding makipag-coordinate sa amin at bukas naman ang aming linya para at least kahit tayo ay nasa ECQ ay maka-respond tayo at maramdaman din ng mamamayan na hindi tayo nagpapabaya,” said Saños.
Saños stated that PENRO of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has quick response workforces in every municipality to enforce the law despite the ECQ.
He said they also appeal to the LGUs to immediately report to them any illegal environment-related activity within their own jurisdictions.
“Patuloy ang ating quick response team. Iyon ay ‘yong mga nagre-respond kapag may mga thieves, may mga violations. Skeletal lang ‘yon, ‘yong nga ay [dahil] lockdown tayo,” said Saños.
He further reiterated that while the people are in great need during this crisis, the government is doing its part to help provide their needs.
Saños also warned those who are contemplating to commit forest and wildlife crimes.
“Ngayon naman tayo ay tinutulungan ng gobyerno na makaraos. Iwasan na muna natin ‘yong mga illegal activities tulad [halimbawa] ng timber poaching. Iyon naman ay mahihirapan din naman silang ilabas. Nandiyan naman ang ating mga checkpoints ng ating mga military at kapulisan. Makipagtulungan po tayo sa gobyerno at ang gobyerno naman po sa pangunguna ng ating pangulo ay hindi po naman nagpapabaya at ginagawaan lahat ng paraan para makaraos tayo dito sa Coronavirus na ito,” said Saños.