Authorities apprehended one hundred eighty five (185) pieces of undocumented lumber with a total volume of 2,772.96 board feet valued at two hundred twenty-one thousand eight hundred thirty six pesos (P221,836.00) in a joint operation conducted in Brgy. Guirang, Basey, Samar on January 17, 2023.

The operation was conducted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Sta. Rita, Enforcement Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office VIII, Naval Forces Central Visayas Command, Coast Guard Substation Balangiga, and 63rd Infantry Batallion Philippine Army.

Said joint operation was conducted after surveillance of the area by CENRO Sta. Rita personnel revealed abandoned forest products concealed and stockpiled within the vicinity.

The apprehended forest products were deposited at CENRO Sta. Rita for custody and proper disposition.

"The owner, once identified will face charges for violation of PD 705 also known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines," says Jocelyn Lobriño, CENR Officer of CENRO Sta. Rita.

Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela lauded the operating team’s effort. He also called on the public to take part in the Department’s campaign to intensify forest protection and law enforcement. “We encourage the public to immediately report to the nearest DENR office any incidence or activity that violates our environmental laws,” he said.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 31 January 2023