Batanes environment chief sacked

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines — More than six months after assuming the post, the officer-in-charge of this province’s environment and natural resources office was relieved from his position on Friday.

Ilarde Viernes was ordered to return to his previous station in Alcala, Cagayan where he served as community environment and natural resources officer.

Viernes, who hosted a conference of all regional and provincial environment chiefs, said he had no idea why he was removed from Batanes.

“I did not even think that my assignment here would be short-lived,” Viernes said, adding he had issued notices to several barangay officials and commercial establishments  for violation of environmental laws.

 “I do not know if these were the reasons for my removal from office,” he said.