NINE people are facing criminal charges over the allegedly illegal cutting of mangrove trees within a timberland area worth about P288,489 in Barangay Poblacion, Carcar City last Dec. 28, 2016.
Prosecutor Anabelle Robles found evidence to charge the respondents with violation of Presidential Decree 705, as amended by RA 7161, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, before the Regional Trial Court.
“The accused conspired with deliberate intent to gain, and without securing the necessary permit issued by the proper government authorities, and cut the forest products from a public land,” the charge sheet read.
A P200,000 bail is set for each accused.
Named respondents were Roweno Pancit, Nelson Pancit, Stephen Flores, Glenn Law-it, Rodrigo Tatoy, Moises Lawas, Melvin Lawas, Vicente Lapis, and Nemesio Flores.
The case stemmed from the complaint that Roldan Cotlejo, officer-in-charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Argao, Cebu, against the respondents for violation of Sec. 77 of Presidential Decree 705, as amended by RA 7161, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
The respondents, all of Sitio Tulay, Barangay Poblacion III, Carcar City, reportedly cut about 228 naturally-grown mangrove consisting of about 1.62 cubic meters, or 686.88 board feet, valued at P288,489. The respondents cut the mangroves without authority from the DENR.
Martino Camello and Leo Remitar, of the DENR-Argao, also executed their affidavit corroborating the allegations against the respondents.