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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Environmental crimes included in 'close cooperation' among prosecutors, law enforcers in case build-up

Environmental crimes included in 'close cooperation' among prosecutors, law enforcers in case build-up

Published Oct 13, 2024 07:38 am

Environmental crimes are now also covered in the areas of close coordination and cooperation among prosecutors and law enforcers in the build-up of cases. 

Among the environmental crimes are those involving violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 705, the Revised Forestry Code; RA 9175, the Chainsaw Act of 2022; RA 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act; and RA 11038, he Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, among other laws. 

The cooperation was directed through Department Circular (DC) No. 020-B that Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla issued last Sept. 10.

“We need to turn the tide, if we want to reach our common goal of achieving meaningful environmental justice within our lifetime,” Remulla said in a statement issued by the DOJ. 

“This requires action from all fronts, including prosecutors and law enforcement alike, by becoming vanguards of environmental protection and conservation for our future generations,” he added.

On March 31, 2023, Remulla issued DC No. 020 which directed prosecutors to proactively work with law enforcement in the build-up of cases involving violation of violations of RA) 9165, the Dangerous Drugs Act); RA 9160, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001; RA 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; RA 10168, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012; and all other capital offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua, a jail term ranging from 20 years to 40 years.

Last May 8, Remulla expanded the coverage of DC 020 by including RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); RA 10845, the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016; and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1987 (NIRC).

“This latest issuance further amending DC No. 020 demonstrates the Department’s seriousness in cracking down on environmental crimes that cause serious degradation to nature, thereby infringing on our right to a balanced and healthful ecology,” said Remulla. 

“It is our collective responsibility to preserve our existing ecosystems through a proactive stance that will advance environmental justice and the rule of law,” he said. 

 

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