Further investigation revealed that the apprehended lumber is allegedly owned by a certain Mr. Antonino L. Maturan, 50 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Daniel Maing, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

The alleged owner will be charged for violating section 78 of PD 705 as amended or also known as the Revised Forestry Code while the apprehended lumber is deposited at CENRO Liloy Compound for safekeeping.

Photos Courtesy of CENRO Liloy

Upon verification, the driver could not present any documents to prove that his cargo was legal.

A total of 73 pieces of chainsawn lumber with a volume of 0.426 cubic meters valued at Php 9,794.00 were apprehended by the team. The tricycle was impounded and kept under custody of the local police pending the conduct of administrative confiscation proceedings.

Appropriate charges will be filed against the alleged perpetrators for violation of Section 77 of PD 705 as amended known as the Forestry Code of the Philippines.

CENRO Babaran vowed to intensify his campaign against illegal logging by establishing more checkpoints in his area of responsibility and personally monitor the operation of licensed lumber dealers and wood processing plants to ensure that no violations are being committed.

Meanwhile, in line with the celebration of the 33rd DENR Anniversary, CENRO Manukan awarded Certificates of Commendation to PCPT Benjamin C. Napigkit , PEMS Alberto D, Ambitic and PSSG Leo A. Fabular all of PNP Manukan for their untiring support and partnership in the implementation of DENR Laws, rules and regulation in the Municipality of Manukan.

Photos Courtesy of CENRO Manukan

Meanwhile, in Poblacion, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, CENRO Guipos Quick Response Team (QRT), with the assistance of San Pablo Municipal PNP Officers, apprehended 4 pieces undocumented Bakan flitches with a total volume of 166 board feet amounting to 8,300php on board a single motorcycle The apprehension was made thru an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen.

The driver and the conveyance were brought to the nearest PNP Station for further investigation.

All apprehended forest products were brought to CENRO Guipos for safekeeping and proper disposition.

The anti-illegal logging operation which was in coordination with the PNP-Siocon Municipal Police Station (MPS) resulted in the apprehension of Fifty-five (55) pieces of abandoned White Lauan lumbers with an aggregate volume of 550.67 board feet or 1.30 cubic meters at Barangay Latabon, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Likewise, the Office monitored Eleven (11) SAG permittees with corresponding Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) together with the Provincial Environmental Monitoring Office (PEMO) Community Development Officer. The activity focused on the compliance of permit holder to the terms and conditions stipulated in the Sand and Gravel Permit and set of rules and regulations prescribed in the ECC to the proponents located at Barangay Bulacan, Siocon and Sitio Diangas, Barangay San Jose, Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.

This Office also monitored the ECC of TVI Resource Development Philippines (Phils.) Inc. and found them compliant with the terms and conditions.

Meanwhile, a Notice of Stoppage was issued to a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title Holder at Sitio Canatuan, Brgy. Tabayo, Siocon and Sitio Malusok, Brgy. Kilalaban, Baliguian for illegal mining activities in the area.

CENRO Siocon assures the public that they will continue to pursue this unrelentless drive against environmental laws violators in the fulfillment of the Mandate of the DENR.

Photos by CENRO Siocon Personnel