SINCE the start of the year, authorities have seized over P1.5 million worth of illegal logs in its drive against illegal logging in the Caraga region.
In its recent operation, an estimated P100,000 worth of illegally cut lumber were seized in Surigao del Sur over the weekend.
In Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur, elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seized a total of 1,471 board feet of sawn lumbers and banca keels with an estimated market value of P96,620.
Meanwhile in Tandag City, authorities confiscated another batch of illegally sawn Lawaan and Bay-ang lumber with a volume of 1,600 board feet having an estimated market value of P30,000.
Since the start of the year, troops of the 36IB have conducted 13 successful anti-illegal logging operation which resulted in the confiscation of a total of 61,754.54 board feet of illegal logs with an estimated market value worth P1.547 million.
Lieutenant Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, commanding officer of the 36IB said, troops will continue to support other line government agencies in their mandate to protect the environment.
"We will perform our mandate and support the province of Surigao del Sur to attain peace and a progressive community. We are serious in the campaign against anti-illegal logging operation and will support other law enforcement agencies. Let this be a stern warning to all illegal loggers in the Province. Stop your illegal activities or suffer the consequences provided by law," Trinidad added.