HOT LOGS. Butuan City Police personnel intercept a truck carrying about 6,500 board ft. of illegally-cut lawaan lumber worth PHP227,000 in Barangay Ampayon on Monday (June 7, 2021). Authorities arrested Bryan Maycong Lovinarion, 29, the driver of the truck, and his helper, Jear Madelo Halop, 22, for failing to present pertinent documents on the lumber products. (Photo courtesy of BCPO Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – Police operatives and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) intercepted 6,500 board ft. of illegally gathered lawaan lumber products here Monday night.
The confiscated logs have a total market value of PHP227,000.
In a statement Tuesday, Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director, Col. Excelso Lazaga Jr., said they received information on Monday afternoon on illegally-cut lumber being transported in a wing van truck from the town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
A team consisting of BCPO, the DENR, and the Agusan del Sur Police’s Provincial Mobile Force Company personnel, was immediately formed to intercept the lumber products.
The vehicle was flagged at the national highway in the area of Purok 1, Barangay Ampayon, this city.
The truck driver, identified as Bryan Maycong Lovinarion, 29, and his helper, Jear Madelo Halop, 22 were arrested for failing to present pertinent documents on the lumber products.
The BCPO is also determining other personalities behind the gathering and transport of these products.
"The confiscation of the lumber products was pursuant to Executive Order 23 that declared a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests,” Lazaga said.
He added that the arrested suspects would also be charged with violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705, as amended by Republic Act 7161, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
Lazaga said the BCPO’s environmental protection campaign would remain unhampered amid the pandemic.
He also cited the support of communities by providing the police with vital information on illegal logging activities in the area. (PNA)
