DENR steps up fight vs illegal logging

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the security efforts, is putting efforts to intensify the anti-illegal logging operations in Davao region.

In a press statement posted in their official Facebook Page, DENR-Davao said that in line with the directive of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, they formed a composite team composed of technical and legal personnel to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the conduct of anti-illegal logging operations to all five provinces of Davao Region to address illegal cutting of logs.

DENR-Davao director Ruth M. Tawantawan warned illegal loggers that they will face legal consequences once they will be caught operating without the necessary permits.

“In Davao Region, the team from PNP is already operating in coordination with our Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (Cenro) as early as April 10. Whoever is caught operating even without business and/or DENR permits and for possessing banned species or lumber will be held accountable,” she said.

Earlier, Cimatu ordered to strengthen the Department’s anti-illegal logging campaign and operations in the Mindanao, especially in Caraga Region. He likewise included Davao Region and Caraga as part of the campaign as there are instances that illegally-cut logs are being transported towards these regions most especially in Davao.

Based on their record, in Davao del Norte province, the team was able to apprehend 2,199 pieces of lumber and log bolts with a volume of 31.94 cubic meters (10,813.57 bd. ft.) with an estimated value of P231,357.66. They noted 16 apprehensions that were conducted by the team in the cities of Tagum and Panabo. Aside from the logs, authorities impounded the tools and conveyance used in the illegal operation.

Following the successful operations, there were there cases filed by the team at the Office of the Prosecutor and has prepared a total of nine Affidavit of Complaints against the perpetrators.

The operations are under the directive of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) of the Office of the President aiming to monitor reports on illegal logging activities in the region and to dismantle Wood Processing Plants (WPPs) and lumberyards that are operating without necessary documents or permits.

Tawantawan also said they have already assigned lawyers and secretariat per province to assist PNP and Cenro personnel during the operation.

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