DAVAO CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI through its community environment office in the town of Baganga , Davao Oriental apprehended a total of 125 pieces of squared timber with a volume of 13,390 board feet were apprehended on last July 13, 2021, in Barangay Malibago, Cateel, Davao Oriental.
The PhP 400,000.00-worth of naturally-grown dipterocarp was apprehended after the DENR-XI received an intelligence report that a number of timbers were sighted in Cateel river.
The confiscated forest products are now stored at CENRO Baganga compound while some are stored at the detachment of the 67th IB detachment while awaiting appropriate action.
DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco lauded the confiscation and the collaboration between the DENR the military and other line agencies which took part in the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force.
Evasco, a known environmentalist has relentlessly campaigned to to curb any illegal activities that are detrimental to the environment and natural resources within Region XI.
“When it comes to safeguarding the environment and natural resources, we have always been collaborating with other agencies most especially the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police and the LGUs. As we continue to intensify our enforcement of forestry laws, rules and regulations, the more we have strengthened our partnership with these agencies through this Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force,” Evasco said.
Early this year, DENR-XI had also strengthened its collaboration with Regions 10, 12 and 13 through a Joint Inter-Regional Task Force that aims to guard up against timber poaching and to intensify its anti-illegal logging transboundary efforts in these regions. Part of the task force is the establishment of joint checkpoints with allied forces from PNP, AFP, the LGUs and communities.
This is also in line with the Department’s aim to demonstrate Sec. Roy A. Cimatu’s sentiment that not only do we safeguard the environment but also to ensure and strengthen the protection of forests by keeping the trees standing and not illegally cut.
The team was composed of Davao Oriental PENR Officer Alberto N. Bandiola, 67th Infantry Batallion Commander Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, 701st Brigade Commander Col. Oliver C. Maquiling of Mati City, Baganga CENR Officer David L. Fabila, Enforcement Division Chief Raul M. Tambilawan and other personnel from DENR-XI, AFP and PNP.
