Adoption of the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO)

DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-04

Subject: Adoption of the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO)

Issued by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Signed: January 21, 2026 . Pages: 219

Legal Basis

Pursuant to Executive Order 292, s. 1987 (Administrative Code of 1987), Executive Order 192, s. 1987 (Reorganization Act of the DENR), and Executive Order 366, s. 2004, the ELEMO is adopted to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of environment and natural resources (ENR) laws, rules, and regulations.

Purpose

The ELEMO provides a standardized and comprehensive operational framework for the enforcement of ENR laws across the entire enforcement process within the Department, from intelligence gathering and pre-enforcement activities to post-enforcement administrative adjudication and prosecution support.

From the Foreword (Secretary)

The ELEMO is the DENR's first comprehensive effort to consolidate and harmonize the rules and practices arising from seventeen major environmental laws. It is a unified and practical reference designed to empower every environmental enforcer on the frontline. The Order recognizes administrative action as the most necessary, appropriate, and effective remedy to address environmental degradation swiftly and decisively.

Coverage

Integrated procedures span all enforcement domains: Forestry, Biodiversity, Mining, Waste/Pollution, and Lands. The Manual establishes clear coordinative mechanisms, ensures observance of due process, and upholds respect for human rights in all environmental enforcement operations.

Compliance

All DENR offices, including bureaus, attached agencies, and all regional and field offices, shall adhere to the ELEMO in their enforcement operations.

Source: User-uploaded official DENR PDF (DAO-2026-04, 219 pages). Full Manual available in source PDF.