DENR, PNP, Army partnership vs. illegal logging in East Visayas yields positive results

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Monday 4th of June 2012

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA) -- The sustained partnership against illegal logging of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Eighth Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has yielded positive results in the confiscation of illegally cut logs in the province.

A total of 391 pieces of assorted good lumber with a total estimate of 3,250 board feet from illegally cut logs were confiscated by the joint forces of said coordinating agencies from January to May 2012, Lt. Colonel Arvin R. Lagamon, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 8ID, said.

Lt. Colonel Lagamon disclosed that the joint anti-illegal logging efforts in Eastern Visayas have resulted in the confiscation of 21,131 board feet of illegally cut logs with an estimate value of P781,847 in calendar year 2011.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 23, a moratorium was declared on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and the creation of anti-illegal logging task force was mandated.

The local DENR is designated as the head of the task force, while Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP units are lead agencies in confiscating illegally cut logs and illegal saw mills.

BGen. Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of the Eighth ID gave the assurance that the Army in the region will continue to support the DENR in the Anti-Illegal Campaign as mentioned in EO No. 23, through confiscation of illegally cut logs and saw mills in the Division Area of Responsibility.

The Eighth ID Commander added that the Army, PNP, and DENR will continue to unite their efforts in protecting the forests and will also intensify their tree growing activities to conserve the endangered forests while pursuing sustainable development in the area. (EOT/PIA8)