THE creation of a task force minimized the illegal logging activities in Hinobaan, Mayor Ernesto Estrao said.

Estrao, who was at the Capitol in Bacolod City Friday, said the task force was formed after the recovery of illegally cut lauan trees in Barangay Damutan, Hinobaan. The timber came from century-old trees.

"For now, the illegal activities in the area are not that active," he said, adding that the task force has been patrolling the site regularly.

Estrao said that he requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an inventory in Barangay Damutan in an area they call the wilderness which is the remaining virgin forest.

The illegally cut trees are worth P16 million and the DENR is still studying how to bring the logs to the town proper for proper disposition because of the rugged terrain of the forest. (TDE)