A capacity building on Lawin response protocol and basic intelligence gathering was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region for the 12 Enforcement Monitoring Section Chiefs from the different Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) in the provinces, and 60 selected Lawin patrollers from the field offices.
The activity is focused on assessing and evaluating the performance of forest patrollers of the DENR-CAR while utilizing the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System; produce new strategies and initiatives to improve outputs of each office; discuss other concerns relevant to the implementation of identified initiatives and strategies.
It also sought to enhance the abilities of the patrollers to gather valuable information that can be used in law enforcement actions; and to enhance the capacity of forest patrollers to collect evidence of environmental crimes, such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and land encroachment.
Brigadier General Reuel N. Sorilla, Officer-in-Charge – Director Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) and Ground Commander of Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach said that “Effective capacity building in law enforcement and basic intelligence gathering can help to enhance the abilities of Lawin patrollers to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently”.
“With improved capacity, Lawin patrollers will be better equipped to identify and respond to environmental violations and gather intelligence to support law enforcement efforts,” he added.
The Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) was created to promote the efficient and effective enforcement of environmental laws, rules, and regulations. It promotes strengthened and professionalized enforcement of environmental laws with the use of advanced science and technology. Most importantly, it seeks to professionalize enforcement units in the DENR and develop highly competent manpower. By DENR-CAR
