MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 19 - Members of the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army have confiscated illegally cut logs and lumber in the province, last week.
This was bared by Colonel Daniel Lucero, Haribon Brigade commander during a meeting with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and members of the media at Kampo Ranao, here.
He said the Php 1-million worth of hot logs were confiscated in Batu-bato in Maguing town.
“When we arrived at the area, dozens and dozens of illegally cut logs lay on the cemented road and others were tied with cables ready to be transported through a nearby creek,” Lucero said.
He said they also confiscated tools and equipment used in four (4) sawmills in the said area.
“While we, here, are planting trees, others are cutting them down and raking millions of pesos from the illegal activity,” he added.
Lucero said no one in the area would squeal as to the names of the owners of the sawmills and the confiscated logs and lumber.
He also emphasized that their operation will not end with the confiscation of the hot items stressing that appropriate charges will be files against the illegal loggers.
Meanwhile, Malik Pangandaman , head of DENR in the province, said that there are legal procedures that must be taken for the case to prosper.
He also stressed that their office has not issued any logging permit to anybody in the province.
“Cutting of trees planted even in a private land still needs a permit from the DENR,” he added.
Pangandaman also gave assurance that the DENR will support whatever legal action the military will be undertaking against the illegal loggers.
As of press time, the confiscated hot items are in Kampo Ranao as they are being inventoried and scaled by DENR officials in the province. (Bobby Ilupa/ Radyo ng Bayan Marawi)
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