Authorities seized endangered lawaan and tanguile hardwood after raiding an alleged illegal logging site inside a protected area in Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The operation was launched after the police and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Caraga (DENR-13) received a complaint about alleged illegal logging activities in the area.

Police and DENR-13 formed a joint task force to lead the operation, together with several residents and barangay officials.

During the operation, the team discovered lawaan and tanguilli wood believed to have been cut illegally.

According to the complainant, a DENR employee may be behind the illegal logging operation in the area.

"Sa among pag-operation gabas ang ako ra nadunggan didto moingon ra man sila nga kahoy daw sa DENR,” chainsaw operator, alias “Dodong,” said.

Prior to the operation, residents reportedly intercepted a truck loaded with lumber. The driver allegedly failed to present documents and claimed that the lumber belonged to the local government of Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

"That time, mula gabi hanggang umaga, wala silang maipakitang papel hinamon pa nga siya ni PNP na kung talagang meron kunin sa bahay,” complainant, Rafael Buhawe Jr., said.

The Tubay LGU admitted that it owned the lumber intercepted in Cabadbaran City.

Tubay Mayor Jimmy Beray said he had requested the wood to be used in the municipality. He added that it had a DENR clearance.

"Ako gyud gi-angkon nga kahoy part to siya sa akong gipangayo sa CENRO unya naa may mga papeles dili man sab pwde nga walay mga papales adto,” Tubay Mayor Jimmy Beray said.

DENR-13 declined to issue a statement but assured that investigation will continue.

Complainants hoped that the investigation will be fair and impartial, especially that a DENR employee has been accused of being involved in the illegal operation.

The DENR employee denied the allegations.