PNP: P1M narra lumber seized, suspect arrested in anti-illegal logging operation

Authorities recovered over P1 million in narra lumber and arrested a suspect in an anti-illegal logging operation in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental over the weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said its police units in coordination with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Gingoog City acted on a tip about the alleged illegal cutting of hardwood trees in the area.

They intercepted a wing van loaded with narra lumber and flitches being transported without proper documentation.

Confiscated were 208 pieces equivalent to 7,122 board feet of mixed-dimension narra lumber and flitches valued at P1.068 million, while the van was worth P1.2 million.

This brought the value of the seized items to P2.268 million.

The suspect and the evidence were brought to the Gingoog City Police Station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges in line with Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

“Illegal logging is a serious offense that destroys our environment and endangers future generations. We will continue to enforce the law and ensure accountability for all violators,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“Ang pagprotekta sa kalikasan ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng iilan. Sa sama-samang pagkilos, mas napapalakas natin ang laban kontra illegal logging,” he added.

(Protecting the environment is not the task of a few. By working together, we can beef up the fight against illegal logging.) — JMA, GMA News