POLICE in Northern Samar have intensified its anti-logging operations following the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure 800 pieces of “lawaan” worth P239,999 in Bobon, Northern Samar early dawn of March 23, 2021.

“We have been intensifying our forest protection efforts in the past weeks and with our recent confiscations and apprehensions we hope to send a strong message to illegal loggers that we will deal with them with the full force of the law," said Colonel Arnel Apud, director of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.

"I also urge the public to be vigilant and help us protect our environment by reporting any suspected illegal logging activities in their localities," he added.

Lieutenant Neil Fernandez, chief of Bobon Municipal Police Station, said the 800 pieces of “lawaan” were in assorted sizes with an estimated volume of 4,799.9 board feet and were loaded in a six-wheeler truck.

The seven arrested suspects failed to show the required permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for its transport.

The suspects will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines. (SunStar Philippines)