WV reps fund hiring of forest protectors

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Friday, October 20, 2017
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ILOILO – Six Western Visayas representatives helped fund the hiring of forest protection officers (FPOs) assigned in their jurisdictions.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 said the following lawmakers contributed to the P13 million that made the hiring possible:

  • Oscar “Richard” S. Garin Jr., Iloilo, 1st District

  • Arthur R. Defensor Jr., Iloilo, 3rd District

  • Paolo Everardo S. Javier, Antique, Lone District

  • Fredenil Castro, Capiz, 2nd District

  • Mercedes K. Alvarez, Negros Occidental, 6th District

  • Sharon S. Garin, AAMBIS-OWA party-list

The 412 newly hired FPOs gathered for an orientation on environmental laws and the mandates of the Environment department on Oct. 17 at the Amigo Terrace Hotel on Iznart Street, Iloilo City.

Among others, the FPOs were taught about their functions and duties, and the protocols on apprehension.

“You are no longer just civilians. You can now apprehend illegal cutters,” DENR regional director Jim O Sampulna told the FPOs.

“If you are not able to apprehend [because], say, the illegal cutters are armed, call your heads” – the community and provincial environment officers – and “we will provide the needed assistance,” Sampulna said.

FPOs assist forest rangers through foot patrol. They are authorized to arrest illegal cutters and transporters of forest products. Currently in the region, one forest ranger patrols 1,000 hectares.

Sampulna said the hiring of new FPOs was part of intensifying forest protection activities in Western Visayas.

“We look forward to the stricter implementation of our environmental laws,” the department official said. (With DENR Region 6/PN)
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