Atienza fires DENR official over illegal logging in Aurora

By Luis Jose

DINGALAN, Aurora -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. on April 28 ordered the immediate relief of a DENR official in this town after illegal logging activities in the province were confirmed.

"I have personally confirmed the report from my independent sources in the area and I have found that it has sufficient basis," the DENR chief said.

Atienza ordered the relief of Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Meliton Vicente Jr. following reports from Task Force Sierra Madre Dingalan chapter head Fr. Pete Montallana that illegal loggers are again active in Aurora province.

"Like as I always told our officials, Vicente will not only be relieved of his duties but we will also make him answerable for all these charges of illegal logging in his area of responsibility. Appropriate charges will definitely be filed against him," Atienza said.

In the meantime, Vicente will be replaced by former CENRO for Cabanatuan City Joselito Blanco.

The DENR chief said a combined team of legal and law enforcement agents from the DENR will be dispatched to Dingalan town and other areas in Central Luzon to gather more information about illegal logging activities in the area so necessary legal measures will be taken.

"We have seen in Dingalan four years ago the wrath of nature when landslides killed a number of townspeople and sent several thousand others homeless," Atienza said.