Soldiers too are protectors of the environment

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30): Soldiers too are protectors of the environment

Sixty soldiers assigned in Western Visayas underwent a three-day training recently on environmental laws, policies, and regulations in compliance with the 3rd Infantry Division's Executive Order No. 23 also known as "Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force."

The training also gave the soldiers a better understanding of guidelines in the implementation of anti-illegal logging operations.

Livino B. Duran, technical director, FMS of DENR-6 lauded the initiative of the 3rd Division for this training saying, "As law enforcers, we are in charge of handling and apprehension of forest violators and as partner agencies, we continue to collaborate to protect our environment and its resources."

Col. Wilson Leyva, chief of staff 3ID, said, "At this time when we are directly feeling the adverse effects of climate change, it is imperative upon us to take a pro-active measures including the implementation of the National Greening Program to ensure the protection of our environment from degradation caused by illegal activities."

The creation of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force will allow the troops together with the DENR and PNP top enforce the moratorium and lead the anti-illegal logging campaign.

The Task Force is also mandated to ensure the implementation of the Executive Order under the supervision of the DENR and likewise assist the agency in the enforcement of other environmental laws.

In Region 6, Resolution No. 2012-002 series of 2012 prescribing the mechanics of operation for Anti-Illegal Logging Campaign was signed last March 2,2012 in Iloilo City by then Regional Executive Director Julian Amador of DENR, Dir. Evelyn Trompeta of DILG, PC/SUPT Cipriano E. Querol of PNP 6 and MGen Jose Z. Mabanta Jr, Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=971359453809