Andanar hails BOC-10 chief’s resolve to fight environmental crime

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday lauded a Bureau of Customs (BOC) collector for enforcing the country’s laws against environmental crimes.

In a press statement, Andanar praised Bureau of Customs’ Region 10 (BOC-10) district collector John Simon for being one of the recipients of the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) 2020 Asia Environment Enforcement Awards.

Andanar said Simon’s resolve to fight environmental crime reflects the overall sentiment and the policies of the Duterte administration in addressing illegal waste shipment.

“Environmental degradation continues to be a pressing global issue, and Mr. Simon and the agency's commitment to upending smuggling operations in the country, particularly of illegal waste, and upholding environmental justice in the Philippines is truly commendable,” he said.

Simon and his office’s dedication likewise contribute to the overall campaign of UNEP in promoting environmental justice, Andanar said.

Andanar, being the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Northern Mindanao, said the recognition of Simon’s outstanding efforts supports the whole-of-society programs in Region 10 for the advancement of its progress.

He is optimistic that Simon would inspire Filipinos to also take part in protecting the environment.

“May Mr. Simon and the agency's contribution to our nation, to the international community, and to our environment be an inspiration to us all to preserve, protect, and promote the welfare of our environment for generations to come,” he said.

UNEP conferred the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award on Simon on Feb. 17 for his “excellent work in combatting transboundary environmental crime.”

In recognition of his efforts to return the tons of trash to South Korea, Simon also received on Jan. 19 the “Environmental Justice Award” from environmental group EcoWaste Coalition.

Simon is also the recipient of the 2020 Asia Environmental Enforcement Award by the World Customs Organization, a first in the BOC history.

Around 7,500 tons of industrial garbage from Pyeongtaek City, South Korea were dumped in the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in two batches in 2018.

Bilateral negotiations initiated by BOC-10 led to the return of illegal waste to South Korea in seven batches from January to September last year. (PNA)