6 illegal loggers collared in Abra, Benguet

CAMP MAJOR BADO DANGWA -- The strengthened anti-illegal logging drive in the Cordillera region led to the arrest of six illegal loggers who were caught in the act of cutting lumber in the provinces of Abra and Benguet.

Joint personnel of Manabo and Bangued Municipal Police Station, Regional Mobile Force and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office arrested four loggers in Sitio Los-od, Barangay San Ramon East, Manabo, Abra in the afternoon of October 17 after a concerned citizen reported an ongoing illegal logging activity.

Arrested loggers were identified as Romeo Damagen Catriz, 55, farmer; Dennis Lencio Bani, 27, miner; Herman Aquino Mendoza, 54, farmer, all residents of Sitio Banat, San Ramon East, Manabo and Manolito Guimba Cantero a.k.a. Bani, 45, farmer and resident of Barangay Ayyeng.

Suspects failed to present any pertinent documents to possess a chainsaw and permit to cut trees which led to their apprehension. Confiscated from their possessions are chainsaw, log and assorted timber which are yet to be scaled by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In Benguet, police also apprehended two illegal loggers identified as Johny Leo Aliso, 34, farmer, resident of Cabiten, Mankayan and Jayson Sugot Andres, 22, resident of Suyoc, Mankayan, Benguet at Slide, Tuding, Itogon in the afternoon of October 15.

Both suspects were caught in the act cutting pine timber which led to their arrest after they failed to present pertinent documents. Confiscated were one chainsaw without serial number, and nine pieces of assorted pine lumber.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana, Police Regional Office – Cordillera regional director commended the operatives for continuously curbing illegal logging activities.

Nana reminded police to be sincere in this drive and encouraged them to intensify the campaign and further strengthen partnership with the members of the DENR. Likewise, police are once again soliciting the support of the community in battling illegal logging activities in the region.