The Department of Environment and Natural Resources vows to continue the fight against wildlife crime while recognizing close to 100 frontline wildlife enforcement officers in a recent celebration of the World Wildlife Day.
Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. said the DENR has never wavered in its commitment to stop illegal wildlife trade, which is “one of the most important and urgent part of our work” to protect the iconic Philippine Eagle and other endemic wildlife species that are facing threat of extinction.
“The DENR, especially the Biodiversity Management Bureau, has been consistent in its mandate to protect the rich biodiversity of this country, and it is our commitment to not let this intensive consistency waive,” he said.
A total of 98 wildlife law enforcement officers from various agencies and organization—National Bureau Investigation-Environmental Crime Division (19), Bureau of Customs (21), Philippine National Police (46), 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (nine), non-government organization (one), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Protection Group (two)— were recognized during the Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards 2020.
“Let it not be forgotten lest disregarded the valiant efforts of wildlife enforcers, and we see their lives to protect our wildlife resources on poaching, trafficking and overexploitation so that the future generations to come will be able to see the rich biodiversity we still enjoy today,” Adobo said.
Assistant Secretary and concurrent BMB Director Ricardo Calderon said wildlife crime, including wildlife trafficking and poaching, is “a crime against nature.”
“If rape is a crime against women and chastity, if murder is a crime against persons, we should consider wildlife crime as a crime against nature,” he said.