Logging blamed for flooding in Bataan

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Mayor Francis S. Garcia of this capital city sent free bus services to flood victims in the inundated villages of Tortogas and Porti Rivas, while environment authorities linked illegal logging to flooding in other parts of the province. Garcia said that this service vehicle travels regularly from the said thickly populated barangays to the city proper while a construction of the road going there is being rushed.

Logging blamed The other day, a top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered the investigation of a truckload of cut trees that was blamed for the recent flash floods in the thickly-populated barangay Balon Anito. Raul H. Mamac, head of DENR in Bataan, said that his office will look into the reported apprehension of a truck load of cut trees that was partly blamed for the recent flash flood to hit this industrial town recently.

“I had already instructed our CENRO officer of Bagac to act immediately on the matter...we will not allow this thing to undermine our authority; we will make sure that the individuals behind this violation will be charged and corresponding case will be filed against them,” said Mamac.

Mamac’s action came after Barangay captain George Legaspi of Balon Anito and his barangay tanod held the truckload of cut trees.

Legaspi noted that the one who approved it was the former barangay captain, Celso Solano, who is no longer authorized to issue permit, saying it was illegal.

More illegal logging With the strict enforcement of Presidential Decree No. 705 (Anti-Illegal logging Law), Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) arrested four illegal loggers in San Agustin, Isabela.

Joint personnel of the 2nd Isabela Provincial Mobile Force Company and San Agustin Police, Isabela Provincial Police Office arrested Randy R. Cariaga, 30; Jorlan M. Makahilig, 21; Lolly Boy R. Mariano, 26; and Rolly T. Balanon, 42.