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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US trains DOJ prosecutors to ensure environmental crime convictions

US trains DOJ prosecutors to ensure environmental crime convictions

Published Oct 26, 2024 04:46 am

The United States government has provided training to Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors on handling environmental crimes​ to increase their chances of ensuring convictions.

Through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US government provided specialized training to enhance DOJ’s prosecutors’ expertise in handling environmental crimes, particularly in crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and case building.

The training would ensure that strong evidence is collected before cases are filed, increasing the chances of successful convictions, and strengthening the DOJ’s efforts to effectively safeguard protected areas under Philippine law.

The training was held in Pampanga and Bataan from Oct. 15 to 18 as part of USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project. It was facilitated by USAID-trained experts from the DOJ.

The participants underwent mock court proceedings involving actual expert witnesses and environmental law enforcement officers, as well as crime scene investigation simulations within Bataan Natural Park.

“USAID, through the SIBOL project, is proud to support the DOJ in improving the capacity of state prosecutors to tackle environmental crimes through practical, hands-on training,” Thomas Kaluzny, Deputy Director of USAID Philippines’ Environment Office, said.

“We do not just want prosecutors to be skilled in investigating and prosecuting cases, but we also want (them) to live by the principles of environmental leadership,” DOJ Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Hazel Decena-Valdez added.

Since 2022, USAID has trained 209 prosecutors in environmental law enforcement and supported the DOJ in developing additional courses on illegal wildlife trade, forestry, and fisheries.

USAID, through the SIBOL project, works with partners from the Philippine government, private sector, and civil society to strengthen science-based decision-making and address threats to biodiversity created by unsustainable practices, irresponsible tourism, and environmental crimes.

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USAID Department of Justice
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