Authorities arrested a suspect and confiscated more than P2.27 million worth of illegally transported narra lumber and a delivery vehicle during an anti-illegal logging operation in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation, conducted from May 16 to 17, was launched after police received information from a concerned citizen about the alleged illegal cutting of hardwood trees in the area.
Joint operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), intelligence and special operations units, local police forces, and personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Gingoog intercepted a wing van transporting narra lumber without the necessary permits and transport documents.
Seized during the operation were 208 pieces of mixed-dimension narra lumber and flitches with an estimated volume of 7,122 board feet valued at ₱1.06 million. Authorities also impounded the wing van used to transport the forest products, estimated to be worth P1.2 million.
The total value of the confiscated items reached P2.268 million.
The suspect and recovered evidence were brought to the Gingoog City Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of charges for alleged violations of Presidential Decree 705, or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation forms part of the police organization’s intensified campaign against environmental crimes and illegal logging activities.
“Illegal logging is a serious offense that destroys our environment and endangers future generations. We will continue to enforce the law and ensure accountability for all violators,” Nartatez said.
He also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in protecting natural resources, saying community support remains vital in the government’s anti-illegal logging drive.