Remulla: Collective stand against exploiters of environment needed

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla advocated for a united stand against those who exploit nature, to preserve it for generations to come.

Remulla's statement was issued after the Department of Justice (DoJ) concluded a three-day writeshop at the Hotel Kimberly in Tagaytay City from 11 to 13 December 2024. The writeshop was designed to strengthen collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcers to better address environmental crimes.

This Unified Manual will serve as a comprehensive guide for prosecutors and LEAs, particularly with regard to critical environmental laws such as Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by RA 10654), Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by RA 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act), and Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act).

DoJ Deputy State Prosecutor Margaret V. Castillo-Padilla led the opening remarks of the writeshop, while Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon and Undersecretary Frederick A. Vida delivered their respective messages of support, echoing the Department's commitment to hold accountable those who violate environmental laws.

In line with the wisdom of DC 20, the policy mandating the proactive role of prosecutors in case build-up, this engagement is also part of the broader Training and Education Program for Law Enforcement Officers (TEPLEO). This program convened representatives from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG), the National Bureau of Investigation - Environmental Crimes Division (NBI-ECD), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and prosecutors from different regions across the nation.