ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES IN CAVITE

I. Introduction
Environmental crimes are illegal acts that directly harm the environment. They can cause
significant damage to ecosystems and increase the risk of disease, environmental disasters,
food chain contamination, pollution, damage to wildlife, reduced life expectancy, and
increased human morbidity. Environmental crime is her fourth largest criminal act in the
world.
Environmental crimes can be broadly defined as illegal activities that directly harm the
environment. These include: cases of illegal wildlife trade; Smuggling of ozone depleting
substances (ODS). Illegal trade in hazardous waste. Illegal, unregulated and unreported
fishing. Illegal logging and the related trade in stolen timber.
Such crimes are considered "victimless" and are given low priority. However, they often fail
to elicit the necessary response from governments and law enforcement agencies. In fact, its
impact affects society as a whole. For example, illegal logging contributes to deforestation. It
deprives forest communities of vital livelihoods, causes ecological problems such as
flooding, and contributes significantly to climate change, with up to a fifth of greenhouse gas
emissions thought to be attributable to deforestation. Illegal trade in ozone-depleting
substances, such as the refrigerant chemical chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contributes to the
depletion of the ozone layer and causes health problems such as skin cancer and cataracts.

II. Body
Environmental crime refers to the violation of laws intended to protect the environment
and human health. These laws govern air and water quality and dictate the ways in which
the disposal of waste and hazardous materials can legally take place. Individuals or
corporations can be found guilty of a white collar crime when violations of environmental law
are committed.
ILLEGAL OPEN DUMPSITE
An open dump is characterized as a location for discarding solid wastes in a way that
lacks environmental safeguards, making them prone to open burning and vulnerable to
exposure from elements, vectors, and scavengers. Open dumping encompasses facilities or
methods of solid waste disposal that carry a foreseeable risk of causing harmful impacts on
both health and the environment.
On January 14, 2021, a cease and desist order was issued by the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB) on a 6-hectare open landfill (OD) site located on private land
owned by Harmony Homes, in violation of Republic Act. Represents 9003. Executive Order
1586 and its implementing rules and regulations.
The operation was led by NBI-ECD with support from DENR branch offices, field offices and
partners, namely: DENR Task Force led by Nairo B. Tamoria. EMB Calabarzon, State
Environmental Management Director; Adan Umipig, Cavite Province Environment and
Natural Resources Officer; Ronita A. Unrayao and the Eco-Waste Coalition.
The landfill was clearly in violation of the provisions of RA 9003. In other words: 1. Open
dump.
2. Failure to separate different types of solid waste for reuse, recycling, and composting.
3. It also violates the Clean Air Act as burns are observed during operation.
 The Ombudsman's Office plans to file criminal and administrative charges after local
authorities in Cavite City and Rizal City refused invitations to public hearings on local illegal
dumping. According to Deputy Ombudsman Gerardo Mosquera, he attended fact-finding
hearings held on August 15 and 16 as part of the department's investigation into local
governments that allegedly allowed open dump operations. Complaints have been filed
against officials who failed to do so. Local officials from Silang, Kawit, and General Trias,
Cavite provinces attended the public hearing and presented remediation plans for areas
where open dumping sites are located.

ILLEGAL LOGGING
Illegal logging refers to the unauthorized extraction of timber, violating the laws and
regulations of the country where the logging takes place. This widespread issue has far-
reaching adverse consequences, impacting the global economy, environment, and social
well-being.
Officials discovered 982 board feet of unlawfully harvested timber in Tagaytay City,
Cavite, suspected to be intended for the production of household furniture, according to a
statement from a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official on
Tuesday. Raymundo Crisostomo, head of DENR in Cavite, reported that the local police
stumbled upon the timber and a chainsaw left behind in Barangay Tulay-B around 2 p.m. on
Monday.
While Maragondon encompasses a section of the Mt. Palay-palay or the Mataas na Gulod
Protected Landscape, Crisostomo is of the opinion that the illicitly harvested logs originated
from areas outside the government-protected zone.
The outcomes of illegal logging activities in Cavite are typically transported to furniture
producers located in the tourist destination of Tagaytay. These illicitly obtained products are
then sold at a rate ranging from P28,000 to P32,000 per board foot.
Executing a search warrant, a collaborative effort involving the National Bureau of
Investigation, Environmental Protection and Enforcement Task Force, Air Force Nasugbu,
and DENR PENRO Cavite led to the seizure of 2,290 pieces of assorted lumber and flitches,
along with 237 pieces of assorted furniture and finished wood products on June 18, 2020, in
Barangay Pangil, Amadeo, Cavite. The combined volume of the confiscated lumber and
flitches was estimated to be 43,103.91 board feet, with a market value of approximately Php
3,499,183.19. Additionally, the 237 pieces of various finished wood products were valued at
around Php 323,000.
The owner of the seized forest products faced charges for violating Section 77 of PD 705
(Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines), as amended, as they failed to present the
necessary valid documents or permits.
ILLEGAL TRADE IN HAZARDOUS WASTE
Illegal trade in hazardous waste refers to the unauthorized and unlawful movement,
transport, disposal, or trading of waste materials that are considered hazardous due to their
potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This illicit activity involves the
improper handling, transportation, or disposal of hazardous waste in violation of national and
international laws and regulations. Such illegal trade often circumvents proper waste
management procedures and poses significant risks to public health, ecosystems, and the
overall well-being of communities. Governments and international organizations work to
combat and prevent illegal trade in hazardous waste through regulatory frameworks,
enforcement measures, and international cooperation agreements.
 The Cavite Green Coalition and the EcoWaste Coalition are calling on the
government to fully enforce the law against those responsible for the disposal of 429 drums
containing toxic waste in a private area in Barangay Pangil, Amadeo, Cavite. Ochie
Tolentino, Coordinator of the Cavite Green Coalition, anticipates that Environment and
Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje will instruct the Environmental Management
Bureau to press charges against VYA Trading (the transporter) and its associates for
violating Republic Act 6969 and Republic Act 9003.
Tolentino recalled that in 2011, over 60 drums of toxic wastes were illegally dumped in a
private lot in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has imposed a suspension order on
the hazardous waste management company SOLCHEM Philippines Inc. (SPI) due to their
unauthorized disposal of toxic waste on a private property in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Following
a technical conference involving SOLCHEM representatives and EMB-Region 4A director
Allan Leuterio, EMB director Juan Miguel Cuna stated that the regional office recommends
the suspension of the company's transporter, treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD)
registration certificates.
ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a serious threat to the
livelihoods of legitimate fishermen, worsens overfishing, and exhausts marine resources.
This jeopardizes the preservation of marine ecosystems and poses a significant risk to food
supply security.
Six fishermen were arrested on suspicion of red-handed dynamite fishing in Ternate,
Cavite by a joint force of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police
Maritime Group (PNP-MG), it was revealed on Tuesday. November 15th.
The fishermen were taken to a police station to answer charges for violating Section 92
(Fishing through explosives, noxious, or poisonous substance, or electricity) of Republic Act
10654, an amendment to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. Engaging in fishing through
the use of dynamite and other harmful methods is forbidden by the law because it results in
the destruction of coral reefs, which serve as the habitat for fish, crucial to their reproductive
cycle, and various other marine organisms.
ILLEGAL MINING
Illegal mining refers to the extraction, processing, and trade of minerals or other
geological materials from a location without proper authorization or in violation of established
laws and regulations. This activity occurs when individuals or entities engage in mining
operations without the necessary permits, licenses, or compliance with environmental and
safety standards. Illegal mining poses significant environmental, social, and economic risks,
contributing to deforestation, water pollution, habitat destruction, and exploitation of local
communities. Authorities often combat illegal mining through enforcement measures,
penalties, and efforts to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Nine individuals were arrested by the NBI-Environmental Crimes Division in an
entrapment operation due to illegal mining in Ternate, Cavite. The NBI identified the arrested
individuals as Narciso Peji, Mary Jane Maala, Ryan Naparam, Alvin Aquino, Jose Remy
Copones, Emmanuel Manao, Robert Delos Santos, Joebert Aguisanda, and Roger Betonio.
The operation was conducted following a request from DENR-MGB IV-A for the NBI to serve
a Cease and Desist Order against Peji for illegal mining. The nine were found in the area
overseeing, extracting, and transporting minerals without the necessary permits and
documents from the DENR. The NBI also confiscated several mining equipment and
minerals estimated to be worth millions of pesos. The suspects were subjected to online
inquest proceedings before the prosecutor in Imus, Cavite, where they were charged with
violating Section 103 or Theft of Minerals under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
III. CONCLUSION
In summary, the case study on environmental crimes in Cavite sheds light on the
pressing issues surrounding environmental degradation, illegal activities, and their impact on
the local ecosystem. The findings indicate that various factors, including lax enforcement,
insufficient regulations, and a lack of awareness, contribute to the prevalence of
environmental crimes in the region.
The degradation of natural resources, illegal logging, improper waste disposal, and other
environmentally harmful practices pose significant threats to the ecological balance and
public health in Cavite. The case study underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts
among government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to address and mitigate
environmental crimes.
A holistic approach that includes stringent law enforcement, the establishment of effective
regulatory frameworks, and community engagement is essential. Collaborative initiatives
between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities can
foster sustainable practices and create a culture of environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, tackling environmental crimes in Cavite requires a multi-faceted strategy
that combines legal measures with community education and involvement. By addressing
the root causes and implementing proactive solutions, stakeholders can work towards
preserving the natural beauty of Cavite, ensuring the well-being of its residents, and
contributing to the broader global effort for environmental conservation.

IV. RECOMMENDATION/ACTION PLAN

Enhance Enforcement and Surveillance:
Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, such as the NBI-
Environmental Crimes Division, to effectively monitor and apprehend individuals engaged in
illegal activities. Increase the use of modern surveillance technologies and satellite imagery
to detect and prevent environmental crimes.
Public Awareness and Education:
Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the impact of
environmental crimes on their health, livelihoods, and overall well-being. Conduct seminars
and workshops in schools and local communities to raise awareness about the importance
of sustainable practices.
Community Involvement and Reporting:
Establish channels for local communities to report illegal activities anonymously and
encourage their active participation in environmental protection. Implement community-
based monitoring programs, empowering residents to safeguard their natural resources.
Strengthen Legal Framework:
Collaborate with legislative bodies to review and update existing environmental laws
and regulations, ensuring they are comprehensive, clear, and enforceable. Advocate for
stricter penalties for environmental crimes to serve as a deterrent.
Coordination Among Agencies:
 Foster collaboration and information-sharing among government agencies, such as
the DENR, NBI, and local law enforcement, to streamline efforts in combating environmental
crimes. Establish a task force dedicated to addressing environmental crimes with
representatives from relevant agencies.
Technology Integration:
Invest in technology solutions for monitoring and tracking activities in critical
environmental areas, employing drones, satellite technology, and other advanced tools.
Implement a centralized database system to facilitate information sharing and analysis
among different agencies.

REFERENCES:
 DENR (2021). OPEN DUMPSITE IN CAVITE, CLOSED BY DENR. GOVPH
https://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/regional-releases/
1921-open-dumpsite-in-cavite-closed-by-denr
 Bonquin (2016). Some LGUs in Cavite, Rizal in trouble over illegal dumpsites.
ABS-CBN NEWS
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/16/16/some-lgus-in-cavite-rizal-in-trouble-
over-illegal-dumpsites
 Cinco (2017). Illegal lumber seized in Cavite. INQUIRER.NET
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/871291/illegal-lumber-seized-in-cavite
 Blogger (2015). ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS DENOUNCE DUMPING OF
TOXIC WASTES IN AMADEO, CAVITE
 https://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2015/07/environmental-groups-
denounce-dumping.html
 Encina. Siyam, arestado dahil sa illegal mining sa Ternate, Cavite. DZEC
https://www.radyoagila.com/siyam-arestado-dahil-sa-illegal-mining-sa-
ternate-cavite/