THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) clarified there are no tree cutting permits issued by their office following a moratorium nationwide.
This developed following clarifications by quarters in the city after the controversial tree cutting at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) construction site in Loakan which started in February and the confiscation of several logs last month.
Victoriano Bilayan, designated licensing officer from Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) of DENR-CAR, said Executive Order No. 23 bans the issuance of tree cutting permit to applicants unless further notice.
"We still have the moratorium so we are not issuing any tree cutting permit to the applicants," Bilayan said.
Bilayan, however, clarified there are exemptions of the moratorium where permits can be issued to applicants.
"One is when there is a government construction like the building construction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. That was under Proclamation No. 19. So we have to issue a tree cutting permit for the construction," Bilayan said.
The tree cutting permit was issued to BSP from February 11 to 17 where 103 pine trees were cut.
Bilayan added infected trees including those causing danger to persons and properties can also be cut.
Environmentalist Michael Bengwayan earlier questioned the release of tree cutting permit issued by DENR to BSP.
In April this year, through the information of a concerned citizen, the Baguio City Police Office confiscated at least 52 pieces of Benguet pine logs in Barangay Atok Trail.
The DENR and police have also reminded that cutting of trees without any permit are violations under the law. Anyone who will violate will be liable under Presidential Decree 705 as amended. Concerned citizens are also advised to report to authorities for further action.