The Cotabato provincial government is strengthening its campaign against illegal wildlife trade by training government personnel and enforcement officers to protect threatened species and their natural habitats.
In partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the provincial government conducted a two-day Wildlife Enforcement Officer (WEO) Deputation Training on October 22–23, 2026, for personnel from city and municipal environment and natural resources offices (C/MENROs), the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Cotabato, Abanteros, and veterinary quarantine checkpoints.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to enforce wildlife protection laws and address illegal activities involving wildlife.
Once deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the trained personnel will help strengthen the government’s wildlife law enforcement efforts.
Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taliño Taray, and Board Member Ryl John Caoagdan led the formal opening of the activity on October 22.
The provincial officials called for stronger law enforcement and intensified efforts to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats. They also emphasized the importance of cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders in addressing wildlife-related violations.
As part of the training, participants visited the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Barangay Calinan, Davao City, to learn firsthand about wildlife conservation and the proper handling of the Philippine Eagle, one of the country’s most threatened wildlife species.
Provincial Advisory Council Member Rene Villarico joined the exposure trip, along with personnel from the Interim Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
The visit provided participants with practical guidance on protocols for handling the Philippine Eagle and underscored the importance of proper procedures in safeguarding wildlife.
The training also covered Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. Participants also learned about the duties, responsibilities, and functions of Wildlife Enforcement Officers.
Through the initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen local enforcement personnel’s capacity to respond to wildlife violations and support the implementation of environmental protection laws.
The deputation training forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between government agencies and conservation organizations in protecting the country’s biodiversity and preserving wildlife and their habitats.
