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The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Biliran in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation following several complaints of timber poaching activities in Brgy. Talahid, Almeria, Biliran.

The operation led to the apprehension of twenty seven (27) pieces of undocumented mahogany and gmelina lumber equivalent to 236.67 bd.ft, with an estimated value of fourteen thousand two hundred pesos (P14,200.00). Operatives also apprehended one unregistered chainsaw allegedly used in the timber poaching activity.

Forester III Wenifredo S. Cuizon of PENRO Biliran said cases will be filed against two (2) suspected owners of the illegally sourced forest products and the chainsaw for violation of the Forestry Code and Chainsaw Act (Section 68 of P.D. 705 as amended by Executive Order No. 277 and further amended by R.A. 7161).

“The DENR is very serious in its campaign against timber poaching. To strengthen our campaign, we are closely coordinating with different barangays, LGU officials, and other law enforcement agencies. The DENR is also implementing the LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System. This program is designed to monitor the condition of the forest, threats, indicator species and provide updated reports to forest resource managers”, Forester Cuizon added.

Meanwhile, the PNP underscored that as the enforcers continue to operate against timber poaching, community support and action against poaching is needed.