Cagayan illegal logging task force bags cop, 7 others

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan – A policeman, and seven others including a councilor, have been apprehended here by members of anti-illegal logging task force led by operatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The seized illegally cut lumber which was being transported outside Solana town, was valued at around P100,000. However, one of the accused PO3 Richard Aguijo who was escorting the vehicle used in transporting the lumbers was reported by DENR officials to have escaped when it was flagged down by the operatives. Aguijo, is assigned with the 203rd provincial police mobile group based here. “Aguijo escaped during the operations, he also suddenly disappeared during the preliminary investigation, that’s why we were not able to submit him for inquest," said Andres Guiquing of the community environment and natural resources office based in Solana. Meanwhile, provincial police director Senior Superintendent Jude Santos disclosed on Tuesday that the suspect cop is already under their custody and that they are also conducting their own investigation over his alleged involvement in the case. Santos also said that Aguijo who claimed he was in the scene only because a brother was involved, has already executed an affidavit denying any part in the attempted smuggling of the ‘hot lumbers’. The other accused were identified as Conchita Domingo, Nenita Leonilo, both of Baggao town, and councilman Benjamin Esloban of Aparri town, the contraband’s alleged owners; Cristobal Galuno, the alleged truck driver; and his helpers, Villamor dela Cruz, Cris Aguijo and Ferdinand Tagao. All accused underwent inquest proceedings for alleged violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Anti-Illegal Logging Law. - Floro Taguinod, GMANews.TV