De Lima bares formation of inter-agency panel vs illegal logging, mining

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima disclosed on Friday the formation of a joint investigating panel that will focus on illegal mining and illegal logging activities in different parts of the country, said a report by Ricky Brozas on Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

De Lima said members of the panel are representatives from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, National Prosecution Service and the Department of Justice.

According to De Lima, the operations of illegal miners and illegal loggers have become alarming because it’s not only the government’s revenue that is affected but the destruction of the environment, which eventually causes flooding in various parts of the country.

De Lima has also become worried that local officials are involved in these illegal activities.

De Lima cited the complaints against Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who was allegedly involved in illegal mining in the province.

She said there are many governors, city and municipal mayors suspected of being behind these illegal activities who will undergo investigation.