P700-K lumber seized

BUTUAN CITY – Authorities impounded a 10-wheeler truck transporting illegally-cut hardwood products around 4:41 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 8) in Purok 2, Barangay Lipata, Surigao City.

Acting on a tip from an informer in the area, the operation resulted in the seizure of the contraband by the joint forces of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) from Tubod, Surigao del Norte together with Surigao del Norte’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao City and the PNP Maritime Unit-13.

CENRO Leo Oconer told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that a total of 3,697 board feet of sawn “Magkuno” tree (Xanthoste

mon verdugonianus) were confiscated by authorities loaded on the 10-wheeler truck bearing plate number RNC-272.

Oconer said the lumber products seized have a total market value of PHP732,424.

The truck was driven by a certain Dexter Castillo Callos, 38, a resident of Antipolo City, Rizal, together with a helper identified as Julius Celerio Resayaga, 18, a resident of Parakale, Camarines Norte.

The suspects face charges in violation of PD 705 or the Revising Presidential Decree No. 389, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

“The operation is part of the continuing efforts of the DENR against illegal logging and the illegal transportation of forest and lumber products,” Oconer said.

He said the seized lumber products are temporarily impounded at the PENROSurigao del Norte but will be transferred at the CENROTubod office.

Oconer also expressed gratitude to residents who continue to cooperate with authorities by giving information on the presence of illegallysawn forest products.

“Trucks with closed carriers must be inspected first before they are allowed to board on barges for Visayas and Luzon,” Oconer said

Trucks, buses and private vehicles coming from Mindanao pass through Lipata Port in Surigao City en route to Visayas and Luzon.