TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities in Northern Samar confiscated nearly P2 million worth of undocumented lumber and arrested one individual during an anti-illegal logging operation in Barangay San Juan, San Isidro town on Wednesday evening, May 13.
The operation was led by the Police Regional Office 8 in coordination with the San Isidro Municipal Police Station and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–CENRO Catarman, following reports of alleged storage and use of lumber without proper permits.
Police identified the arrested suspect only as alias “Wil,” a resident of San Isidro, Northern Samar, who allegedly failed to present legal documents proving the source of the lumber, in violation of Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
Authorities said the recovered materials were intended for the construction of a pump boat.
Seized during the operation were 258 pieces of assorted lumber with an estimated volume of 7,041.41 board feet and a market value of about P1,960,896. Police also recovered an unfinished pump boat made of Yakal and Lauan lumber, additional stockpiled sawn wood, and two chainsaws.
PRO-8 Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy said the operation reflects the continuing effort of law enforcement agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal logging and environmental violations.
“We remain committed to strengthening coordination with concerned agencies to protect the environment and ensure that violators of environmental laws are held accountable,” he said.
The suspect is now facing appropriate charges and remains under police custody.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
