The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iloilo City already has a person of interest in the cutting down of young trees along C1 Road, Barangay Tacas, Jaro District.

Based on LGU investigation, along with Jaro Police, there were witnesses who pinpointed a man who chopped the trees down.

“Raw information lang ang sa amin na parang dumaan lang at namutol. Yan ang information sa akin ng mga tagaroon,” Engr. Neil Ravena, head of the Operation Division of Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

At least 15 trees were cut down; 14 of which are Banilad and Acacia trees. Banilad is classified as an indigenous tree in the Philippines, while Acacia, or Rain tree, is an introduced or exotic species.

According to the investigation on the pattern established by the culprit, it turned out that he was from the bridge going to a subdivision in Barangay Tacas.

The LGU wants to teach the perpetrator a lesson.

In coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the LGU seeks to file a case for violation of the Forestry Code of the Philippines against the culprit.

“Naghanap talaga kami… na yan ang i-file na kaso because parang ang bigat sa amin na in two years na pagtanim, puputulin lang,” Ravena added.