PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered police units to intensify operations against illegal logging and mining following the recent landslides in the Davao region.
One of the rain-induced landsides occurred in Barangay Masara in Maco, Davao de Oro last February 6 left at least 98 people dead and eight others missing.
“Because of what we have seen in Davao, the landslides there, I am directing all our regional offices, especially those with mining areas, where there is irresponsible mining and without papers, please intensify,” said Acorda.
Acorda said he has initially discussed the need to intensify such operations with the PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Ronald Lee.
“I’ve discussed this with DO about running after these kinds of operations, especially on illegal logging. That, I think, is what we can contribute (to address) the problem on El Nino,” said Acorda.
Acorda also said the PNP will also intensify the campaign against water pilferage.
“At the same time, your policemen will intensify the operations against this pilferage. We can help water companies in the conduct of investigation on this water pilferage (problem),” he said.
In efforts to help mitigate the effects of El Nino, Acorda said the PNP has a standing policy to all police personnel to conserve water even before the onset of the phenomenon.
“We have an existing policy on energy and water conservation. Maybe, what we can do is we can intensify it,” said Acorda.