The Police Regional Office-Mimaropa (PRO-4B) needs to plant 273,282 seedlings more, or 45,558 seedlings per month, until December to reach its 1-million target.

In a news release on Saturday, Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, PRO-4B chief, reaffirmed their goal with the help of eco-warriors from five provincial offices, one city office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and regional headquarters.

They have already planted 726,718 trees as of August 31.

“Aside from intensifying our tree-planting efforts, we will be more aggressive in our campaign against illegal logging activities and violations of environmental laws, ” Hernia added.

Records from the Regional Operations Division showed PRO-4B carried out 215 operations from January 1 to August 31, resulting in the arrest of 216 and confiscation of 42,244.57 board feet of assorted lumber worth PHP1.6 million.

“Part of our efforts to protect our natural resources is the strict enforcement of the environmental laws. Thus, I urge all unit commanders and fellow eco-warriors to sustain our drive in the campaign against violations of environmental laws in active partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and various stakeholders in the region,” Hernia said in a statement. (PNA)