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9 1 690K worth of illegal cut lauanNinety four (94) pieces of abandoned and stockpiled illegal logs, flitches and lumber equivalent to approximately 46.50 cum and has an estimated value of P690, 042.15K has been retrieved and hauled by the DENR-XI within the contested areas of Region XI and XIII in Brgy. Datu Davao, Laak, Davao De Oro and Brgy. Kapda, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur, particularly along Kms. 13, 15, 17, and 21.

The forest products were mostly those of Deptirocarp species particularly Lauan and Bagtikan which are currently listed as Critically Endangered due to its market demand. Poachers are after its hardness which is usually used as furniture and construction materials.

According to DENR XI’s Enforcement Division report, the abandoned forest products were discovered stocked and scattered within the inner areas strategically concealing its view from the highway.

After a verified report in August 18, 2021, retrieval and hauling operation was immediately conducted in August 19-21 by a team composed of PENRO Davao de Oro and CENRO Maco with the assistance of the Regional Office’s Enforcement Division under the direction of RED Bagani Fidel Evasco and in coordination with National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA-XI), Philippine National Police (PNP-XI), Philippine Army (PA-XI) and Provincial Local Government of Davao de Oro.

It has been observed, however, that in Km 17, culprits clearly attempted to hide some forest products prior to operation by moving and dumping them in the adjacent gullies while smaller pile of flitches were left for hauling. Further, the mini-sawmill was already closed and lumbers were covered with “trapal.”

The operation still yielded to the retrieval of 40 pieces of Round Logs, 54 pieces of Flitches and Lumber which were then deposited at the PLGU of Davao de Oro depot under the custody of its maintenance head.

RED Evasco condemns the said unlawful event and says that the discovery of said illegal forest products is “Perceived as part of large syndicated logging operations in the region, thus, a case build-up is being undertaken to determine the culprits and shall be brought into court.”

Illegal cutting, transportation and possession of woods or timber from natural forests are all punishable against PD 705 or Revised Forest Code of the Philippines. A person proven guilty of said activity may land in jail for several years.

Further, and in as far as the Joint Inter-Regional Task Force is concerned, DENR-XI is continuously coordinating closely with its counterpart in Region XIII with both Regions intensifying its law enforcement, surveillance and monitoring efforts in the said areas.