On September 25-26, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a pivotal workshop at B Hotel in Quezon City, focused on developing a comprehensive protocol for prosecuting wildlife and forest crimes. The event gathered DENR lawyers and prosecutors from across the Philippines, fostering collaboration to strengthen legal frameworks against environmental crimes.
In his opening message, Asec. Norlito A. Eneran, Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement from the DENR enlightened, “The fight against wildlife and forest crimes has always been a critical endeavor, but today, it becomes more urgent—and, I dare say, more achievable—than ever before”.
The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions designed to facilitate discussion and cooperation among participants. DENR lawyers and prosecutors engaged in breakout groups to identify current legal obstacles and share best practices for evidence collection and prosecution strategies. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged participants to draft preliminary elements of the proposed protocol, focusing on creating a streamlined and effective legal framework.
The workshop’s primary objective is to clarify circumstances under which DENR lawyers can prosecute wildlife cases with DOJ oversight. Specific goals include:
- Identifying issues and challenges related to the prosecution of wildlife and forest crimes.
- Defining the roles and responsibilities of DENR lawyers and DOJ prosecutors in these cases.
- Developing an SOP in line with the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, serving as a guideline for both agencies.
This workshop marks a significant milestone in the Philippines' commitment to combating wildlife and forest crimes, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to preserving its invaluable biodiversity for future generations.
This workshop was conducted with the support from the United Nation Office for Drugs and Crimes.