Bald strips on Cagayan Valley mountains show traces of illegal logging, says police

After conducting an aerial inspection over typhoon-hit Cagayan Valley, the Philippine National Police on Friday discovered bald strips on several mountains showing traces of illegal logging.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras,” illegal logging contributed to the massive destruction in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan during the onslaught of Ulysses.

“Mayroong mga areas din na parang mayroong nag-landslide, nalubog sa lupa,” Police Lieutenant General Cesar Binag said.

“’Yong lugar na pinili nila malapit sa ilog kasi traditionally doon nila pinapadaan ‘yong mga troso. Pinapaanod kasi nga mahirap ‘yong transportation dahil mataas tapos malayo. Sasaluhin na lang kung saan puwedeng ma-pickup,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP urged Police Regional Office 2 to intensify its operations against illegal logging activities.

“Kailangan po nating paigtingin ang ating operation laban sa illegal logging. Nakita naman ‘yon sa operation natin na dapat puntahan na ‘yon kasama ang DENR,” Binag said.

Meanwhile, PRO 2 regional director Brigadier General Aldy Nieves said they have already strengthened their operations against the illegal activity in the region.

“P170,000 worth of illegally cut logs ang recovered at several persons arrested and confiscation of mga chainsaw,” Nieves said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News