Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has called for a united effort against those who exploit nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

“It is high time we take a collective stand against those who exploit nature for their own gain, in order to safeguard the well-being of the generations to come. Justice is on our side, and together we will win this battle for Mother Earth,” Remulla said in a statement on Monday.

His remarks came after the conclusion of a three-day writeshop held at Hotel Kimberly in Tagaytay City from 11 to 13 December.

The event, organized by the Department of Justice (DoJ), was aimed at enhancing the collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement officials to more effectively combat environmental crimes.

The writeshop was spearheaded by the Task Force on Environmental Cases under the supervision of Deputy State Prosecutor Margaret V. Castillo-Padilla, in collaboration with Team Kalikasan of the National Prosecution Service-Special Projects Division. It gathered together prosecutors, law enforcers, and environmental experts and was aimed at developing a Unified Manual for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Agencies on the prosecution of environmental crimes.

The unified manual shall serve as a comprehensive guide for prosecutors and enforcement agencies, specifically affecting critical environmental laws such as Republic Act 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by RA 10654; RA 7586, as amended by RA 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act; and RA 9147, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.

Padilla delivered the opening remarks, while Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon and Undersecretary Frederick A. Vida gave messages of support, reinforcing the DoJ’s commitment to holding those who violate environmental laws accountable.