The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is eyeing a regulation of the online sale of chainsaws amid concerns on illegal logging activities.
DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu, who already consulted with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), on Tuesday, Aug. 24, said buying and selling of chainsaws online is prohibited by the agency under Republic Act No. 9175 or the Chainsaw Act of 2002.
He added that restrictions on the possession and use of chainsaws are similar to those imposed on the selling and ownership of guns. Violations of such laws are both punishable under the criminal law, Cimatu also said.
"The public is advised to buy chainsaws only from DENR-authorized dealers and have them registered with the nearest DENR office. Those purchased from unauthorized sources like online platforms are deemed illegal and subject to confiscation even without a warrant," he said, noting the violation of the law carries a penalty of six years imprisonment or a P30,000 fine.
"Concerned citizens are urged to report suspected illegal possession, use or sale of unregistered chainsaws," he added.
Currently, the agency is drafting "workable options to prohibit online selling of chainsaws through a Joint Administrative Order in view of the requirements of RA 9175 and DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2003-24 on sale, ownership, and use of chainsaws," DENR Assistant Secretary and Forest Management Bureau (FMB) Acting Director Marcial Amaro Jr. bared. It contains the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Chainsaw Act, which prescribes who can sell, manufacture, and own chainsaws.
As of last year, DENR-FMB already confiscated 2,970 chainsaws and other implements, including 1,646 units of conveyances used to transport undocumented forest products.
Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, the DENR regional office also confiscated 22 chainsaws.