Compared to just two previously, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) now has at least 50 deputized Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers (WEO) to help protect and preserve the wildlife of Catanduanes.
This was realized after the deputized officers completed a training course on basic forest and wildlife law enforcement conducted by DENR last Feb. 6-7, 2025 at Queen Maricel Inn in Virac.
Among the topics discussed by in-house resource speakers were the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Provisions, Wildlife Permitting, Wildlife Trafficking, Basic Wildlife Identification and Handling, Chainsaw Act of 2002, Revised Forestry Code, Search, Arrest, Apprehension, Seizure and Handling, Filing of Cases, and the Duties and Functions of WEO.
According to PENRO public information officer Sheila Conche, among those who were invited were members of the PNP and the Philippine Army who usually assist the DENR in apprehension of illegal activities, selected members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) especially the biodiversity sector and law enforcement sector.
Based on the records, there are only two WEOs in the entire island province aside from DENR personnel, that is why the DENR regional office wanted to expand its membership not only to enhance public awareness of the issue but also to assist the DENR.
Aside from the common incidents of illegal cutting of trees, also present in the province is the trade of wildlife such as birds which are not domesticated, wild orchids, and agar wood, she added.
The WEOs would have to report any incident regarding wildlife trade or gathering as well as apprehend violators, the DENR said.