The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has taken a significant step to bolster environmental protection in Zambales by training more than 50 law enforcement personnel. This initiative, conducted through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Masinloc, aims to strengthen enforcement capabilities within the expansive Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS), which spans over 7,000 hectares.
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Conservation
The training program brought together a diverse group of participants from various agencies and organizations. Representatives included officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and Philippine Ports Authority. Additionally, local government units, Bantay Dagat groups from Masinloc and Palauig, and the Protected Area Management Board were actively involved, highlighting a coordinated approach to safeguarding the protected area.
Enhancing Enforcement Capabilities
Donaver Guevarra, chief of CENRO Masinloc, emphasized the critical need to enhance enforcement capabilities and improve inter-agency coordination to tackle environmental threats effectively. "Enhancing our law enforcement efforts is crucial to protecting natural resources within MOBPLS. This training equips our partners with the legal knowledge and operational skills needed to respond effectively to violations," Guevarra stated, underscoring the program's importance in addressing issues like illegal fishing and other violations.
Standardizing Procedures with ELEMO
A central focus of the training was the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operation (ELEMO), issued under DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-04. This manual standardizes key procedures for surveillance, investigation, arrest, evidence handling, and case documentation. By harmonizing enforcement protocols across different agencies, the initiative seeks to ensure more consistent and coordinated responses to environmental threats, thereby reinforcing proper protocols for apprehension, seizure, and case filing under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018.
Importance of MOBPLS
MOBPLS, established under Republic Act No. 11038, is a vital marine protected area located in the West Philippine Sea. It plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management, making its protection essential for ecological balance and local livelihoods. This training effort not only addresses immediate enforcement needs but also supports long-term goals of preserving this critical habitat for future generations.
