23 unregistered chainsaws turned over to PCSD

Some 23 unregistered and tampered chainsaws were recently turned over by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Taytay town to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). Voltaire delos Angeles, forest technician 1 and team leader of the local CENRO-Quick Response Team, said Thursday the chainsaws are either “abandoned, seized, or voluntarily surrendered” to them. Pablo Cruz, head of CEN- RO-Taytay, ordered the turnover of the seized items to the PCSD’ Environmental Critical Areas Network-Regulatory Enforcement Division (ECAN-RED) last October 29. “Second batch na ito ng mga turned over na unregistered, tampered, at assembled chainsaws. Noong una pa may nauna na din kaming naturn over na 15 units,” he said. The first batch was turned over some time ago after their owners were submitted to judicial inquiries for the filing of illegal logging charges. He said the turnover of the chainsaws symbolizes the commitment of CENRO in Taytay to ensure that unscrupulous individuals are stopped from causing the degradation of the forests. “Hindi kami titigil sa responsibility namin na pangalagaan ang kalikasan sa Taytay. Bawal sa Chain Saw Act of 2002 ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong gamit na hindi nire-rehistro,” he said.

Staff and personnel of the CENRO Taytay and PCSD pose in front of the 23 chainsaws turned over on October 29. (Photo courtesy of CENRO-QRT Taytay)