THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has strengthened its case build-up against environmental crimes, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced.
Remulla said the DoJ has issued Department Circular (DC) 020-B, which integrates environmental violations into the scope of proactive case build-up, a crucial step in enforcing the country's environmental laws.
DC 020-B, signed last September 10, expands upon the previously issued DC 020 from March 2023. The earlier circular required prosecutors to play an active role in investigating heinous crimes punishable by life imprisonment.
The latest amendment includes crimes related to environmental degradation, such as violations of the Revised Forestry Code (Presidential Decree 705), the Chainsaw Act of 2022 (Republic Act 9175), the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (RA 11038).
Remulla stressed the urgency of addressing environmental crimes that threaten the nation's ecosystems.
By incorporating environmental crimes into the DoJ's case build-up process, the department aims to enhance collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Prosecutors are now expected to assist LEAs during the investigation phase to ensure a prima facie case is established before a court filing.
This increased cooperation is designed to improve the chances of securing convictions against violators of environmental laws.
Remulla said achieving meaningful environmental justice will require comprehensive action from all sectors, especially those tasked with enforcing the law.
"We need to turn the tide if we want to reach our common goal of achieving meaningful environmental justice within our lifetime," he said.
Remulla said the country remains vulnerable to illegal logging, poaching, deforestation, and the destruction of protected areas. Through DC 020-B, the DoJ aims to deter such activities by ensuring that perpetrators face strong legal repercussions, he said.
The DoJ has begun capacity-building initiatives to enable prosecutors and law enforcement officials to effectively enforce DC 020-B.
Remulla said training programs are underway to ensure that investigators and prosecutors cooperate in safeguarding the country's ecosystems.
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