The Philippines Operations Group on Ivory and the Illegal Wildlife Trade (P.O.G.I) once again made it to the international scene. The 2020 Asian Environment Enforcement Awards was conferred to the POGI through its chair, the Honorable Undersecretary for Legal, Administration, Human Resources and Legislative Affairs of the DENR, Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo Jr., on February 17, 2021 through a virtual awards ceremony. In accepting the award, USec. Adobo expressed his utmost appreciation to the UNEP for recognizing the valiant efforts of the men and women who remain relentless in their commitment in deterring crimes against wildlife.

The highly coveted Asian Environmental Award given by the UNEP recognized our efforts in combatting transboundary crimes and we share this honor with POGI members, DENR-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). This is a testament to our commitment that our precious wildlife shall remain protected and that wildlife traffickers will not go unpunished.

Kudos are in order for the Philippines Operation Group on Ivory and the Illegal Wildlife Trade (P.O.G.I). Having eluded arrest for more than five (5) years, this criminal recidivist finally met his long-awaited fate and owe up to crimes committed against Philippine wildlife. In a world that constantly strives for just structures, the DENR is extremely honored for this achievement and is confident that the forces of justice will continue to work in our favor.