R32-M forest products seized; 5 charged in anti-illegal logging drive

BUTUAN CITY – The anti-illegal logging drive shifted into high gear on Wednesday in targeted “hot spot” areas in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region.

Latest reports gathered from the monitoring and action center of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here on Wednesday disclosed that almost P32 million worth of illegally-cut forest products have been confiscated these past 18 days as a result of relentless operations in various parts in the region.

The no non-sense drive in Caraga region’s forest protection drive led to charges being filed against five suspected timber poachers and traders for violation of the Presidential Decree 705, otherwise known as the Forestry Code of the Philippines.

The 21-team anti-illegal logging task force of the DENR which were simultaneously dispatched to investigate wood processing plants in various targeted areas in Caraga region have so far seized about 6,892.24 cubic meters of logs and veneer products and 217,275.34 bd. ft. lumber, flitches, and sticks during the first wave of operations, DENR 13 Regional Spokesperson Herzon F. Gallego said.

There were 21 unregistered Wood Processing Plants (WPP) and lumber dealers that were uncovered in Buenavista, Kitacharao, Jabonga, Cabadbaran City and Nasipit, all in Agusan del Norte , Butuan City and in Bayugan City, Talacogon, San Francisco and Bunawan, all in Agusan del Sur. (Mike U. Crismundo)