PH police among Asia's best in enforcing environmental laws

FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. General Noel Lazaros Vargus receives an award on behalf of the Philippine National Police for the protection of the environment in the country. Photo from FREELAND Foundation

MANILA, Philippines – The Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-MG) received recognition, along with 7 other organizations, during the first Asian Environmental Enforcement Award (AEEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, recently.

The award-giving body on May 20 recognized the PNP-MG for the more than 1,500 operations it conducted against violators of fisheries and wildlife laws. These operations led to the seizure of endangered species, 3,000 arrests, and the collection of fines amounting to more than $300,000.

In addition, two Filipino officers were among the 5 police officers individually recognized for their efforts in ensuring the welfare of the environment.

"These accolades are the Maritime Group's tribute to Mother Nature in line with the realization of one of the PNP Core Values 'Makakalikasan' and the attainment of our function relative to environmental protection and preservation," Chief Superintendent Noel Lazarus Vargas, MG acting director, said in a statement Sunday, May 24.

The awards are a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme and Freeland, which is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the United States Agency for International Development. They are meant to encourage countries in Asia to combat environmental crime and to acknowledge excellence in the enforcement of environmental laws. – Rappler.com