BANNA, Ilocos Norte, July 25 — Joint police and Department of Environment and Natural Resources operatives confiscated at least 3,896 board feet of illegally cut timbers in Barangay 19, Barbarangay here recently.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Leonardo Acosta said seized were Gmelina tree species worth at least P97, 408.
Three suspects were arrested. They are residents of Barangay 37, Calay-ab, Laoag City; Barangay 19, Barbarangay and Barangay 5, Nagpatayan, Banna town.
For having no permit to cut trees, Acosta said the suspects were charged with violation of PD 705 otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
The suspects were immediately released after posting bail.
Meanwhile, the seized logs were temporarily placed under the custody of the village chief of Barangay 19 in Banna town.
Acosta warned residents against engaging in any tree cutting without appropriate permit or face penalty.
He said the government has imposed strict monitoring of tree cutting activities in the province as part of the Philippine Development Plan of President Benigno Aquino III concerning the conservation and protection of the country’s natural resources. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
