P8M worth of illegal forest products seized by DENR-7 in 2016

As a result of the heightened anti-illegal logging operations of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Visayas last year, the enforcement unit of DENR-7 has apprehended over 190 cubic meters of undocumented forest products worth over P8 million.

According to the unit's report, there is a 40 percent decrease in apprehended forest products, which include lumber, timber and firewood, from 316.452 cubic meters confiscated in 2015 to 190.784 cubic meters in 2016.

DENR-7's Enforcement Division Head, Ariel Rica, said that even though there is a decrease in the quantity of the seized items, the estimated value of the confiscated products has increased because of the types of forest products confiscated.

"Kay bisan gamay nalang ang among ma-apprehend, mag-base man ang amount sa klase nga produkto nga ilang e-illegally transport," said Rica.

Rica added that boats are the most commonly used means for transporting products illegally.

As of December 2016, the DENR-7's Regional AntiIllegal Logging Task Force (RALTF) has conducted a total of 145 anti-illegal logging operations, including cases which stemmed from complaints.

The RALTF is composed of uniformed personnel from Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command, National Bureau of Investigation, Naval Forces Central (Navforcen), the Philippine Air Force and the Bureau of Customs.

With the total apprehensions that DENR-7 has recorded, it also filed a total of 37 cases against illegal loggers: 23 cases in Cebu province, 12 in Bohol and two in the province of Siquijor.

In line with the strengthened enforcement efforts, DENR-7 also conducted an intensive information, communication and education (IEC) campaign to improve the public's awareness on the need for compliance on tree-cutting, acquiring transportation permits and other documents required.

"Bawal gyud i-transport basta walay Rica added.

Rica also said that all enforcement officers of DENR-7 have been directed to be on full alert the whole year round in order to strictly implement the laws and to seize all transactions done illegally.

Rica is also encouraging the public's participation in their fight against the illegal cutting of trees and illegal transport of forest products.

He is urging the public to thoroughly follow the enforcement of environmental laws so cases of confiscation will be lessened.

USJ-R Intern/JBB

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