Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Monday, Feb. 26, all regional directors to intensify the operation against illegal mining activities in their respective areas of responsibility.
Acorda explained that his order is not only aimed at preventing tragedies like the recent landslide that hit Davao de Oro province but also as the police’s contribution to address the problem of El Niño.
“We have seen the effects of the landslide in Davao so I am directing all our regional offices, especially those with mining areas where irresponsible mining is being conducted, to intensify the campaign against these illegal operations,” said Acorda.
“I have already discussed the matter with our Directorate for Operations to run after these kinds of operations, that also include illegal logging. This is our way of contributing to the solution to the El Niño problem,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture has reported that the damage to agriculture from El Niño has already reached more than P357 million as it affected more than 41 provinces across the country.
Experts said the strong El Niño may persist until May this year.
As another part of the solution, Acorda said water concessionaires may coordinate with them for joint operations in running after those who would engage in pilfering of water connections.
“The PNP has this existing policy on energy and water conservation. We can intensify this so we are reminding our personnel on that,” said Acorda.
“At the same time, the PNP will intensify the operations against this pilferage. We can assist in the conduct of investigation on this water pilferage,” he added.