MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — In observance of Philippine Environment Month, the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) of Lanao del Sur convened a multi-sectoral meeting on June 18, 2025, at M Bistro, Panggao Saduc, reaffirming a strong collective commitment to protect and preserve the province’s forest resources.
Bringing together key leaders from the provincial government, military, and civil society, the meeting underscored a renewed sense of urgency in addressing illegal logging activities through coordinated strategies and institutional reforms.
Among the major plans discussed was the conduct of a seminar-workshop on environmental laws targeting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chiefs of Police, Investigators, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Battalion Commanders. The goal is to equip frontline enforcers with legal knowledge and clarity on their roles in environmental protection.
The task force also emphasized the importance of coordination with Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENREOs) regarding the proper custody and documentation of confiscated forest products. A proposal was raised to donate these confiscated materials to schools, provided all legal protocols are observed.
To increase deterrence and monitoring capacity, the AFP was encouraged to establish checkpoints in strategic areas and install anti-illegal logging tarpaulins. Military Company Commanders from the municipalities of Maguing and Butig will also be invited to future meetings to expand operational engagement.
As a means of strengthening grassroots enforcement, the PAILTF proposed the creation of Municipal Anti-Illegal Logging Task Forces (AILTFs) through local ordinances that can serve as implementation models. The designation of a permanent PAILTF member was likewise recommended to ensure continuity and institutional memory.
In addition to enforcement efforts, the meeting highlighted awareness and community engagement as vital tools. A province-wide clean-up drive was approved as the culminating activity of Environment Month. Furthermore, Radyo Pilipinas Marawi launched a weekly Friday segment to spotlight the environmental programs and best practices of local government units across Lanao del Sur.
A notable development during the meeting was the acknowledgment of an executive order issued by the Governor creating “Task Force Khalifa,” further reinforcing the operational mandate of the PAILTF and aligning local initiatives under a broader environmental governance framework.
The meeting was led by PAILTF Chairperson and Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Provincial Director Cader D. Indar Jr., with Vice Chairperson and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENREO) For. Asmarie M. Labao, and PENRO For. Pili M. Papandayan. Also present were representatives from the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army; the Municipal Government of Butig; Lanao del Sur People’s Council Chairperson Prof. Noni Lao; and Radyo Pilipinas Marawi Station Manager Baeshora M. Sabdullah.
The session concluded with the formal adoption of several motions, which will be forwarded to relevant agencies for follow-through.
Through this initiative, the PAILTF reasserted that the protection of Lanao del Sur’s forests is not the work of one agency alone, but a shared responsibility. It called on all sectors to unite in safeguarding natural resources as stewards of the Earth — a mission echoed by Task Force Khalifa’s guiding vision.