MATALAM, Cotabato Province (April 29) — A woman was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 and the DENR Cotabato Enforcement Team for unauthorized selling of chainsaws along the National Highway in Matalam, Cotabato.
According to the police report, the suspect is a 37-year-old woman from Carmen, Cotabato.
She was caught posting and selling a 36-inch mini chainsaw online for ₱19,800 without securing the necessary permit.
According to PSSG Rogelio Caparoso Jr., investigator from the Cotabato Province Anti-Cybercrime Unit, they discovered the illegal selling activity through online cyber patrolling.
“She’s really an online seller, offering different items and gadgets. Among the products she posted was the chainsaw. During our cyber patrolling, we spotted her post on the Matalam page online. That’s where we engaged with her Facebook post. She posted a photo but did not include any caption about the legality of selling the chainsaw,” said PSSG Caparoso Jr.
Authorities confiscated: Two (2) units of 20-inch chainsaws, one (1) unit of 36-inch chainsaw, marked money and the cellphone used in the transaction.
PSSG Caparoso Jr. also explained, “Chainsaws must be registered. A certification from CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) must be secured confirming that the chainsaw being sold is registered. Only then can it be legally sold or used.”
The arrested suspect will face charges for violating: Republic Act 9175 or the Chainsaw Act (which carries a penalty of four to six years imprisonment), and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
