BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 20 (PIA) – The national government has amended its approach on its anti-illegal logging campaign from a mere civilian to military.

Forester Marcelo Bumidang, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer(CENRO) here said the Joint Resolution No. 2013 which amended the earlier creation and operation of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force(AILTF) has expanded its coverage in Central and Northern Luzon.

The Joint Resolution was signed by the secretaries of Department of Interior and Local Governmen, Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR), Department of National Defense (DND), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“This resolution was issued due to the escalating incidents involving the murders of DENR officials in Claveria, Cagayan and Maddela in Quirino province,” Bumidang said during the recent meeting of the Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC).

He added that Resolution No. 2013 forms the AILTF members such as the PNP, DILG, DND, DENR and the AFP inorder to strengthen President Benigno Simeon Aquinoo III issuance of Executive Order No. 23 declared a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests in the country.

DENR officials also said that with the issuance of Resolution No. 2013, security and safety of environment enforcers will be ensured while on duty in various parts of central and northern Luzon.

“A coordination will be first made among the AILTF members in order to ensure our safety and security from possible armed illegal loggers and transporters in our areas,” Bumidang said.