A joint operation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-MIMAROPA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of nearly ₱18,000 worth of illegally possessed lumber in Mansalay on June 26.
The operation, conducted by personnel of DENR-CENRO Roxas and the Mansalay Municipal Police Station in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Don Pedro, resulted in the confiscation of 52 pieces of assorted sawn lumber with a total volume of 446.51 board feet and an estimated market value of ₱17,860.40.
Authorities identified the confiscated forest products as mahogany, gmelina, ipil-ipil, and lawaan. An unfinished wooden boat, believed to have been intended for transporting the illegally sourced timber, was also seized during the operation.
According to DENR-CENRO Roxas, the suspect failed to present the permits and transport documents required under existing forestry laws.
Charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, are being prepared against the suspect.
The confiscated lumber and the unfinished boat were turned over to DENR-CENRO Roxas for inventory, documentation, and proper disposition.
The agency said the operation demonstrated the continuing partnership between DENR and the PNP in curbing illegal logging activities in the province.
“The successful operation reflects the strong collaboration between DENR and the PNP in combating illegal logging and protecting the province’s remaining forest resources,” DENR-CENRO Roxas said.
The office also urged the public to report illegal logging, unauthorized transport of timber, and other environmental violations to the nearest DENR office or law enforcement agency.
