Cadiz trains new wildlife enforcement officers

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The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Cadiz, Negros Occidental in partnership with the Cadiz City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), has successfully conducted an orientation and training program aimed at deputizing new Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs).

The training, which took place on April 17-18, 2024, saw the participation of 40 individuals from various national and local government agencies, as well as community representatives from Bantay Katunggan and upland barangays.

The initiative, led by CENR Officer Mamad T. Gandarosa and Cadiz City ENRO Engineer Florentino B. Caceres Jr., covered critical aspects of wildlife protection and enforcement.

The curriculum included detailed discussions on the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), wildlife law enforcement protocol techniques, and the procedures for the apprehension, seizure, and confiscation of illegally traded wildlife.

Participants also learned about the identification of commonly traded flora and fauna and basic wildlife handling techniques.

This training prepares the participants to be officially deputized as Wildlife Enforcement Officers, a role that supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its fight against illegal wildlife trade.

DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran praised the effort saying, “I laud the efforts of CENRO Cadiz and the Cadiz City ENRO in providing the necessary skills and knowledge to our potential Wildlife Enforcement Officers. Through this initiative, we can help address the limitations of the Department in terms of law enforcement and further strengthen our resolve to protect our environment.”

This program marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of local officers in combating environmental crimes and protecting the region’s rich biodiversity. (DENR-6)