PCG, DENR seize P55,000 suspected illegal timber in Sibuyan

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seized 11 units of suspected illegally cut timber during a joint operation on Romblon’s Sibuyan Island Sunday.

Authorities launched the operation after receiving a report at 7:50 a.m. about illegally sourced round logs located approximately 150 meters from the national road at Sitio Bato.

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Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station in Cajidiocan and the DENR Sibuyan Sub-Station proceeded to Sitio Kaguyangan in Barangay Taclobo, San Fernando town, where they found 11 pieces of Tiga, also known as Mangkono or Philippine Ironwood.Each log measured approximately 25 inches in diameter and 107 centimeters in length.

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The confiscated timber was estimated to be worth around P55,000.

Authorities said the timber had been abandoned.

The seizure was made under Section 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, as amended by Republic Act No. 7161, which penalizes the unlawful cutting, gathering, collecting and possession of forest products without the necessary licenses or permits.

The confiscated logs were subsequently transported to the DENR impounding area in Barangay Tampayan, Magdiwang, Romblon, for safekeeping and proper disposition.

The joint operation underscores the continuing efforts of government agencies to curb illegal logging and protect Sibuyan Island’s forest resources. /dp