CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The anti-illegal logging task force of Police Regional Office-13 seized P454,781.30 worth of illegally cut logs and lumber in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur over the weekend.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft said extensive follow-up operations are underway against violators of Presidential Decree 705, the Forestry Code of the Philippines.
“Our operating units are still conducting thorough investigations, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), for the arrest of the suspects,” Kraft said.
Police responded to a report of illegal logging activity in Barangay Kasapa 1, Loreto, Agusan del Sur, on Sunday, August 20, which led to the recovery of 79 abandoned round logs of mixed dipterocarp with an estimated volume of 18,065.571 board feet worth P426,300.
Lawmen also seized 300 board feet of lauan lumber worth P7,500 in Barangay Mabuhay, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, and 35 assorted lumber with estimated volume of 245.18 board feet valued at P8,581.30 in Barangay Portlamon, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company arrested two lumber dealers transporting undocumented toog lumber with an estimated total volume of 248 board feet worth P12,400 in Barangay Tubo-tubo, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur on August 19.
All field units of PRO-13 are all out in protecting the remaining forest cover in Caraga.
“These accomplishments prove that the PNP-Caraga is serious in its stance of enforcing the law against those who undermine our collective efforts in the protection and preservation of our natural resources,” Kraft said.