PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar yesterday ordered an intensified enforcement of the country’s environment laws in order to protect the environment from wanton destruction.

The top cop also reminded the public about existing laws to preserve the environment and the country’s natural resources.

“Kaakibat ng aming mandatong proteksyunan ang ating mga komunidad ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. Malaking bagay ang pagkakasabat ng mga taclobo na kabilang sa endangered species sa ating bansa sa ilalim ng Republic Act 10654. Lalo rin natin paiigtingin ang kampanya kontra ilegal na pagtrotroso,” he said.

He also tasked all police offices and units to strengthen measures against individuals or even groups that bring destruction to the environment through activities that violate environmental laws including poaching of endangered species, illegal quarrying and illegal logging.

The PNP Chief assured that the police force would continue working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to protect the environment against unscrupulous persons who aim to profit from its destruction.

“Magpapatuloy ang pakikipagtulungan ng PNP sa DENR sa kampanya para tugisin ang mga walang respeto at sumisira sa ating kalikasan,” Gen. Eleazar said.

He issued the instruction following two separate police operations which resulted in the recovery of endangered clams and hot lumber.

Members of the PNP Maritime Group seized 7,000 kilograms of endangered fossilized and fresh clams also known as ‘taclobo’ in Sitio Ondol Pasil, Barangay Cayhagan in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental last October 26.

Two suspects were arrested for possessing the endangered clams worth P490,000.

On the other hand, illegally-cut lumber worth more than P400,000 were confiscated by policemen manning a checkpoint in Allen, Northern Samar.

The forest products were found inside a 10-wheeler reefer van being driven by one Jan Richard Ballosa.

The driver was placed under arrest when he failed to show necessary documents indicating he was authorized to transport more than 400 pieces of lumber.

Both suspects are facing appropriate criminal charges in court, said Gen. Eleazar.