MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 7 (PIA) -- The drive to curb illegal logging here is gaining ground as the elements of the 65th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army confiscated anew assorted sizes of lumbers and saw machine on Saturday afternoon.
The confiscation of some 400 board feet of good lumbers, one unit of saw machine with TD-140 diesel engine and complete accessories, and one metal axle blade was the result of the raid conducted by the 65IB’s Scout Platoon led by 2Lt. Dennis Parale on March 3 in Barangay Cabasaran, said Lt. Col. Seigred Espina, 65IB commanding officer.
According to him, the logging machine was used for cutting illegal lumbers into different fletches from a sawmill in the said barangay.
He further said the confiscated items were brought to the 65IB Supply Office for safekeeping and proper disposition.
Espina also warned illegal loggers that the 65IB is actively conducting operations to fight illegal logging in its area of operation.
The battalion is likewise relentlessly coordinating with local government units, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders for the continuous conduct of tree planting activities to bring back the virginity of the forest, he said.
On a related development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is gearing up its preparations for the Regional Environmental Summit to be held this month here.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Cosain Abbas said efforts on the drive against illegal logging and unauthorized cutting of forest products will be tackled during the summit.
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