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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR treats environmental crimes as national security concern under new enforcement standard

DENR treats environmental crimes as national security concern under new enforcement standard

Published May 15, 2026 11:06 am

At A Glance

  • The agency said the new policy, formally known as the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO), will serve as the DENR's primary operational standard for environmental law enforcement activities nationwide.
(DENR PHOTO)
(DENR PHOTO)
Treating environmental crimes as a national security and public safety concern, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has introduced a new nationwide enforcement standard aimed at strengthening investigations, arrests, and prosecution of environmental violators.
The agency said the new policy, formally known as the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO), will serve as the DENR’s primary operational standard for environmental law enforcement activities nationwide.
Per the DENR, the manual covers procedures involving pre-operation planning, surveillance, arrests, administrative confiscations, evidence handling, and case build-up related to environmental violations.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the standardization of enforcement procedures nationwide would help ensure accountability and consistency in environmental operations.
“By standardizing procedures nationwide, we ensure that every enforcement action — whether a forest patrol in the uplands or an anti-pollution operation in a major city — follows the same legally sound, transparent, and accountable process,” he said in a statement.
(DENR PHOTO)
(DENR PHOTO)
The agency said the new enforcement standard forms part of the administration’s broader effort to address environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, destructive mining, and pollution, which officials linked to disaster risks, community vulnerability, and economic losses.
Under the new framework, the DENR expects to improve enforcement operations across forestry, biodiversity, mining, waste and pollution management, land management, and easement concerns.
Officials said the standardized protocols would allow field personnel to conduct faster investigations, maintain stronger chains of custody, and prepare more effective cases for prosecution.
Likewise, the DENR said the manual seeks to improve coordination among regional and field offices, which previously operated under varying interpretations of enforcement procedures and differing operational capacities.
The agency said it expects stronger coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations through clearer guidelines on community engagement and informant reward systems.
“This is about equipping our frontliners with the tools they need and empowering communities to safeguard their natural resources,” Cuna said.
“Its value will be proven in its continuous application and refinement as new challenges emerge,” he added.

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DENR treats environmental crimes national security concern new enforcement standard Cuna
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