CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY(June 29) — Protecting the country’s forests is now being treated as a shared security mission, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordering police commanders nationwide to work more closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in cracking down on illegal logging and mining.
The directive follows the arrest of three suspected illegal miners in Barangay Bahi, Barobo, where authorities said unregulated mining operations caused environmental degradation.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said safeguarding forests, watersheds, and mineral resources requires coordinated action among law enforcement agencies, environmental authorities, local governments, and communities.
“Environmental protection is not the task of the DENR alone. It requires strong coordination among government agencies and alliance with the people that is anchored on trust and commitment to protect their community,” Nartatez said in a statement released Sunday.
He said the Barobo operation demonstrates how intelligence from local communities, backed by coordinated enforcement, can help stop environmental crimes before they inflict greater damage on forests and watersheds.
Authorities seized about P5 million worth of equipment, including a backhoe and water pumps allegedly used in the illegal mining operation. The three suspects are detained at the Barobo Municipal Police Station and are facing charges under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Nartatez said the intensified campaign supports the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Jonvic Remulla for government agencies to strengthen interagency cooperation in protecting the country’s natural resources.
The PNP said it will continue expanding joint operations with the DENR and local stakeholders, describing forest protection not only as an environmental concern but also as a matter of public security, sustainable resource management, and community resilience.
