Major news in Philippine on June 20 : Senate to probe ‘green’ killings

Top news in <Manila Times> :  Senate to probe ‘green’ killings 

Published : Wednesday, June 20, 2012 00:00 Written by : Ritchie A. Horario, Reporter

Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday called for an investigation into the killing of environmentalists and employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which he said is alarming.

Cayetano said that 14 department employees and environmentalists have been killed since President Benigno Aquino 3rd assumed office, the latest being DENR-Butuan City employee Ricardo Magallanes on June 1.

The senator called on President Aquino to probe the murders. He suggested the creation of a joint DENR and Department of Justice task force to also investigate the deaths and recommend measures against the anti-environment tactics of syndicates and unscrupulous businessmen.

Cayetano said that the lack of sensationalism surrounding the killings is no reason for the government to take them lightly.

“It is disappointing to note that nothing has been heard of results of [the] investigations. Are these deaths all in vain?” he asked.

The lawmaker said that the murders have a chilling effect on environmental groups.

“Instead of speaking out against illegal loggers and other violators of the country’s environmental laws, they [the groups] will cease to do so for fear of their lives,” he added.

The senator said that the Aquino administration’s call for environmental protection should be matched by measures protecting the responders.

“Violators have no qualms resorting to violence to keep their operations profitable. [The] government must send a strong message to those who intimidate and silence environmentalists with impunity that these acts will not go unpunished,” he added.

Cayetano said that with local agencies manning the front lines, it is up to the government to provide support in the campaign against illegal loggers and miners.

 news@theasian.asia