The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has introduced a nationwide standard for handling environmental law enforcement cases, aiming to strengthen investigations, arrests, evidence handling, and prosecution of environmental crimes.
The new manual, called the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO), sets uniform procedures for all DENR offices and enforcement teams across the country. It covers operations involving illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, destructive mining, pollution, and other environmental violations.
Environment secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna said the policy will ensure that enforcement actions follow the same legal and transparent process nationwide.
Officials said the move supports the administration’s effort to treat environmental crime as a national security and public safety issue because of its impact on disasters, communities, and the economy.
The DENR expects the new system to improve coordination among regional offices, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community groups. The manual also encourages public reporting of violations through community engagement and informant reward programs.
The agency described the reform as a major step toward stronger and more consistent environmental protection across the Philippines.
