QCPD to deploy ‘green cops’

MANILA, Philippines — Litterbugs beware: a group of police officers will patrol the streets of Quezon City and run after violators of environmental laws.

Dubbed the “green cops,” they will assist the local government in enforcing laws to protect the environment, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said yesterday.

He told reporters that one of their duties is to enforce environmental laws at Camp Karingal and in Quezon City.

The camp is the QCPD’s main headquarters and the country’s first green police camp in Metro Manila for having an environment-friendly workplace and waste reduction system.

The police officers took their oath before Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday.

According to Maranan, they are just waiting for an order from the city government deputizing the police officers.

Once authorized, the police officers can issue citation tickets to violators. Among them are people throwing garbage in rivers and other tributaries in the city.

The deputized “green cops” will also issue tickets to those who burn their garbage and dispose of trash that has not been segregated, Maranan said.

Also among those who would be issued citation tickets are people caught wasting water, Maranan said, as he noted the country is battling the effects of the dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.