Person · Coverage timeline
Waldemar Quiles
Every story we’ve published that names Waldemar Quiles, newest first.
October 2026
Oct 8–14
- Legislators Seek to Rehabilitate Manuel 'Nolo' Morales Beach in Dorado
House of Representatives President Carlos 'Johnny' Méndez and Representative Elinette González Aguayo are seeking to start the rehabilitation and restoration of the Manuel 'Nolo' Morales beach in Dorado.
- DRNA Evaluates Possible Reduction in Bioluminescence Levels in Vieques Bay
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) has begun a technical evaluation due to a possible reduction in bioluminescence levels in Puerto Mosquito Bay, Vieques.
Oct 1–7
- Record Number of Commercial Fishing Licenses in Puerto Rico
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Secretary, Waldemar Quiles, announced on Wednesday that the Office of Licenses and Permits for Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries has a record 1,554 active commercial fishing licenses in Puerto Rico.
- Loíza Mayor Asks for More AAA Credits After Water Service Interruptions
Loíza Mayor Julia Nazario told political analyst Jay Fonseca on the program Los Datos Son Los Datos that some areas of the municipality went more than 120 days without water or with unstable service.
September 2026
Sep 29–30
- La Plata Reservoir Continues to Decline, No Rationing Considered
The La Plata reservoir continues to decline, but the Drought Committee has not considered rationing its water supply.
Sep 22–28
- House to Subpoena DNER Secretary Again, Threatens Contempt Citation
Fernando Sanabria Colón, president of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives’ Southern Region Commission, announced he will subpoena Waldemar Quiles, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), under threat of a contempt citation.
August 2026
Aug 15–21
- Meteorologist Ada Monzón Resigns from Puerto Rico’s Climate Change Advisory Committee
Meteorologist Ada Monzón announced her resignation on Wednesday from the Committee of Experts and Advisors on Climate Change, amid an ongoing drought emergency and without seeing the Legislature approve the Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience Plan, which has remained stalled since 2024.
Aug 8–14
- Monkey Captured at Las Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse
The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), Waldemar Quiles, announced on Monday that members of the Ranger Corps captured a rhesus monkey at the Las Cabezas de San Juan lighthouse in Fajardo.
Aug 1–7
- Will Cloud Seeding Alleviate Puerto Rico’s Drought?
The government of Puerto Rico does not plan to use cloud seeding to induce rain in reservoirs affected by drought and prevent water rationing from worsening.
July 2026
Jul 15–21
- Pistacho the Dog Avoids Euthanasia, Enters Quarantine in San Juan
Pistacho, the dog that attacked Waldemar Quiles Pérez, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), has avoided euthanasia and is currently under quarantine at the San Juan Municipality’s Animal Protection and Adoption Center.
- Pistacho the Dog Gets Second Chance After Biting DRNA Secretary
Pistacho, a dog adopted by Waldemar Quiles Pérez, the secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), will not be euthanized for now.
- Reticulated Python Bites Man in Naranjito; DRNA Urges Caution This Summer
A reticulated python bit a man in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, in recent days as he was about to feed his animals around 5:30 AM, according to hunter and content creator José Morales Berríos, known as "Gongo," who shared footage of the attack on social media.
- DRNA Secretary Attacked by Rescued Dog
Waldemar Quiles Pérez, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), was bitten by a dog he had rescued, named Pistacho.
- USACE Orders DNER to Stop River Operations in Loíza
Puerto Rico’s environmental and natural resources are protected by federal and local regulations.
Jul 8–14
- DRNA Bans Jet Skis in Salinas’ Jobos Bay to Protect Manatees
Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Secretary Waldemar Quiles signed an administrative order banning jet skis in the Mar Negro sector of Jobos Bay in Salinas, citing a high mortality rate among manatees.
- Army Corps of Engineers Orders Puerto Rico’s DRNA to Halt Work at Río Grande de Loíza Mouth
Puerto Rico’s environmental and water resources are protected by federal laws, which this case highlights.
Jul 1–7
- Puerto Rico Wildlife Agency Captures 99 Exotic Species in Four Days
Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) captured 99 exotic species across the island last weekend, agency Secretary Waldemar Quiles reported Tuesday.
- DRNA Issues $19,200 in Fines During 4th of July Weekend
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) issued a total of $19,200 in fines for violations of laws and regulations during the 4th of July weekend, according to Secretary Waldemar Quiles.
- DRNA Evaluates Deploying Equipment to Culebra to Address Extreme Sargassum Accumulation
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) is considering deploying specialized equipment to Culebra to help remove the large amounts of sargassum that have accumulated on the island.
- Caution Advised When Navigating Due to Manatee Presence in Isla de Cabra Area
The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), Waldemar Quiles, reported that members of the Vigilance Corps visited the Isla de Cabra area in Toa Baja municipality due to the appearance of manatees near the boat ramp.
- Authorities Respond to Suspected Chemical Leak at Aguadilla Airport
A suspected chemical leak at the Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, prompted a response from multiple agencies on Thursday night.
- Chemical Leak Reported at Aguadilla Airport
A chemical leak was reported on Thursday night at the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, located on the grounds of the former Ramey naval base.
June 2026
Jun 22–28
- Drought Conditions Increase in Puerto Rico: Southern and Southwestern Municipalities Under Severe Drought
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) has activated the Drought Committee as a preventive measure due to the increase in dry conditions in Puerto Rico, according to Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez.