CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Twelve suspected illegal loggers were arrested in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Calaccad, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on Friday, March 24.
In a report to Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr., Police Regional Office-Cordillera chief, suspects were identified as Tiggangay Malana Dumirag, 69; Johndee Tumines Wecca, 29; Eddie Camangian Osalla, 52; Jake Balingwa Osalla, 19; Jeward Gusawil Sibayan, 22; Jody Manalay Dumirag, 42;
Oliver Manalay Gammad, 25; Garry Massinnac Gadduang, 46; Ohjie Manalay Gammad, 20; Rodel Dumirag Banno-oy, 46; Rogelio Soyung Gallamoy, 52 and Ramon Lingog Dumirag, 65.
Suspects were residents of Sitio Makilo, Barangay Calaccad.
Peredo said personnel of the 1st Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company and Tabuk City Police Station received a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Kalinga about illegal logging activities in the area.
Upon arrival in the area, lawmen caught a group of men conducting “kaingin” or slash-and-burn farming activities and found illegally cut trees and assorted lumber.
Suspects were arrested and seized from them were 10 chainsaws.
Onsite inventory of the lumber was conducted by CENRO Tabuk City.
Suspects face charges for violating Presidential Decree 705 (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines) and Republic Act 9175 (Chain Saw Act of 2002).