CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) – – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera Regional Office recently deputized eight wildlife enforcement officers (WEO) in the province with four each assigned to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Tabuk and Pinukpuk.
The WEOs shall have the full authority to seize illegally traded wildlife and to arrest without warrant violators of the Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act subject to existing laws, rules and regulations on arrest and detention.
WEOs are also tasked to deliver within a reasonable time to the nearest environment office for custody all confiscated wildlife, their parts, by-products and/or derivatives, as well as tools, equipment and conveyances used in the commission of the crime.
Under RA 9147, the DENR Secretary or his authorized representative shall deputize wildlife enforcement officers from non-government organizations, citizens groups, community organizations and other volunteers who have undergone the necessary training for this purpose.
Members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies can also be designated as WEOs.
Eddie Gaayon, Kalinga PENRO Chief on Monitoring and Enforcement Section, said deputizing individual volunteers from the place are effective since they are familiar with the wildlife habitat. He said any willing volunteer is welcome to become a WEO.
Gaayon said the eight deputized WEOs were oriented of their duties and functions including helping in the protection of wildlife habitat from deforestation, fire and other destructions.
The customary “imong” and other traditional means of protecting the biodiversity were also imparted. The WEOs were also educated on “Paniyaw”, one of the iKalingas core values that covers taboos linked environment, flora and fauna. **JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga
