Law Enforcement Forum (LEF): Towards Synergistic Protection in Mts.Iglit-Baco Natural Park

D’ABOVILLE Foundation and Demo Farm, Inc. and the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI) conducted the first Law Enforcement Forum for 2025 on March 13 and 14, 2025. The participants in the forum included staff and rangers of the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP),  Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park Protected Area Management Office (MIBNP PAMO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of San Jose and Sablayan, and the Law Enforcement Unit of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Occidental Mindoro (PENRO). 

During the forum, the participants mapped current protection-related workflows in MIBNP, identified best practices, gaps, and needs, and areas where protection in MIBNP involving several agencies can be enhanced. The results of these discussions will also feed into the formulation of standard operating procedures (SOP) for conducting patrols, handling dead animals, and engagement with indigenous communities. 

On the final day of the forum, an interactive workshop was conducted to enhance rangers' effectiveness in emergency and safety responses. The session aimed to identify current practices, gaps, and practical strategies for handling real-life emergencies, including personnel injuries, wildlife encounters, and poaching incidents. Through scenario-based discussions, role-playing, and experience sharing, participants worked on refining their procedures to improve emergency preparedness and response.

This activity was supported by: Fondation Segré and the Zoological Society of London in collaboration with the “Thriving Together with Tamaraw” project.