MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered regional directors and police commanders to strengthen coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to intensify the campaign against illegal logging and mining.

The directive came after authorities arrested three individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Barangay Bahi, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, which authorities said caused environmental degradation.

Nartatez said safeguarding the country’s forests requires close cooperation among government agencies and local communities.

He added that the initiative is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for government agencies to work together in protecting the environment.

“Environmental protection is not the task of the DENR alone. It requires strong coordination among government agencies and alliance with the people that is anchored on trust and commitment to protect their community,” Nartatez said in a news release on Sunday.

“The arrest of these three illegal miners is proof of that strong coordination and alliance with the community. And we intend to keep it that way.”

Authorities seized equipment valued at around P5 million from the suspects during Saturday’s operation, including water pumps and a backhoe.

The three suspects are currently detained at the Barobo Municipal Police Station and are facing charges for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.