No let-up in Agusan illegal logging crackdown
BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – The crackdown on illegal logging in five southern towns in Agusan del Sur has been “without let up,” with 107,461 board feet of illegally-cut lumber and 77.16 cubic meters of round logs of mixed dipterocarp seized, environmental authorities said.
The combined operation of the Bunawan Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), fully supported by the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion and 1303rd Maneuver Company also led to the apprehension of trucks and other accessories used by illegal loggers.
Most of the apprehended forest products were floated down rivers and creeks from nearby Surigao del Sur, particularly in the former concession of area of a cancelled wood firm based in Bislig City, and Lingig town.
The contraband were seized along the Simulao River that flows from Lingig.
The all-out campaign also netted 61 suspected illegal loggers, traders, bandsaw operators and poachers.
The Bunawan CENRO has charged the suspects for violation of the Forestry Code of the Philippines and the “Illegal Sawmilling Act” at the provincial prosecutor’s office, Bunawan CENRO Specialist and Development Management Officer (DMO) Victor B. Sabornido told Manila Bulletin Wednesday.
Sabornido said five mini-sawmilling plants and two mobile sawmills were dismantled by the anti-illegal logging task force.
Nine trucks, 19 motorcycles, 2 multi-cabs, 2 Chariots, 1 Bonggo unit, a van and other sawmilling accessories were confiscated, while the seized lumber and flitches were brought to the CENRO office here and other impounding areas.
Involved in the campaign are foresters, forest rangers, officers and personnel of Bunawan under DENR-CENRO Officer-In-Charge Forester Ranulfo L. Climaco.
The forest protection drive in this part of northeastern Mindanao was considered fruitful since it was launched last January. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu also ordered the all-out war on illegal logging and mining when he visited Caraga last April 14.