Six individuals were apprehended by the Philippine National Police for illegal logging in Sitio Durian, Barangay Mendoza, Roxas, authorities said.
The operation, conducted by the Roxas Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, targeted unauthorized harvesting of protected trees including antipolo, batino, and lamete.
“At around 1:53 p.m., the suspects were caught cutting trees with bolos and could not present any permits or legal authorization,” the PNP said. Six bolos with scabbards were seized.
An initial assessment indicated that roughly one hectare of forest was affected, with an estimated 17.23 cubic meters (7,305.52 board feet) of timber valued at approximately ₱381,388.
The suspects are under police custody, and charges for violating Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, are being prepared.
PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed the force’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental crimes.
“This arrest demonstrates that those who exploit our forests will face the full force of the law. We remain steadfast in our duty to protect our natural resources,” he said.
“Ang lumalabag sa batas ay mananagot. Hindi namin hahayaang masira ang ating likas na yaman,” he added.
The PNP highlighted that the operation is part of its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens inter-agency coordination. The swift response between Roxas MPS and DENR ensured the immediate arrest and recovery of illegally harvested forest products.
“Our officers are committed not only to enforcing the law but also to preserving the environment for future generations,” PGen. Nartatez said.
“Tinutugunan namin ang banta sa ating kagubatan upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at seguridad ng komunidad,” he stressed.
The PNP said it will continue to intensify its campaign against environmental crimes.
