POLICE arrested on Friday, April 25, at least 17 persons after they were caught in the act of cutting logs in a mountenaous area in Barangay Kalawakan, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
Those arrested were identified as Mauro Mendez, 53, Marvin Mendez, 29, Marjun Mendez, 20, Gaudencio Mendez,19, Marvin Barlis, 37, Celestino Barlis, 35, Sotero Madrid, 22, Jordan Madrid, 19, Rannie Bartolay, 19, Junjun Bartolay, 22, Alberto Sagubat, 54, Bernie Ferater, 22, Marlon Dela Cruz, 27, Joel Bulacan, 45, Danilo Pascual, 47, Jerimie Bulacan, 15, and Francis Principe, 12.
The report said while members of City Environment National Resources of Baliuag, First Scout Ranger Regiment and Bulacan Provincial Mobiel Company were dispatched at the area after they received report that they are illegal loggers in the mountaenous part of Sierra Madre.
Police said the suspects were caught in the act of cutting logs (timber of yakal) of 10,000 board feet worth P533,000.
Seized from them were a chainsaw, two improvised caliber 22 rifles, and improvised gun and several bullets.
The arrested are presently detained at the Dona Remedios Trinidad police and appropriate charges are being readied in court against them. (Ric Sapnu)