P3.4M logs seized, markers made to misled enforcers

A total of  2,461 logs valued at P3.4 million loaded on 20 ten-wheeler trucks were confiscated at 4:00 in the morning today (May 7, 2011) in Tagum City by the joint operatives headed by the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI).

DENR Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna disclosed that the Task Force opened fire on the mobiling trucks because the drivers refused to stop. “ They misled

the checkpoints by posting “Notice of Particulars” on their trucks stating among others that the logs are confiscated by the Task Force and that these are to be deposited at the Tagum City Motorpool. Too smart, but not as smart as the enforcers of Executive Order No. 23, Sampulna added.

Sampulna further said the DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje have been closely monitoring the implementation of E.O. 23 in all regions and we are instructed to strictly implement it without fear or favor.

According to the information gathered, the said logs were sourced out from Sitio Marang, Barangay Kasapa, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur. These are now deposited at the Tagum City Motorpool for protective custody.

The confiscations of the logs was made possible with the help of the Local Government of Compostela Valley, MIG II, Regional Anti-illegal logging task force Regions 11 and 13,  Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) Nabunturan and Tagum City.               

EO 23  is the  “Moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest and creating the anti-illegal logging task force”. This was issued by  President Benigno S. Aquino, III on February 1, 2011.

Further, E.O. 23, also mandates all concerned municipal/city mayors, through their respective Barangay Captains are tasked to conduct periodic upland monitoring to ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destruction occur in their areas of jurisdiction and in case of occurrence, report the same to the RTF through the provincial governor and/or DILG regional director.