DENR orders retrieval of lumber distributed without clearance

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 ordered the retrieval of 155 crates of lumber that were discharged without clearance recently.

Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca ordered Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Cebu City to retrieve the said forest products from several lumberyards.

A total of 155 crates of lumber from Butuan City arrived last February 24 at Pier 5. According to a press release, the said cargo was held by the personnel of CENRO Cebu City pending verification of documents and inventory of the forest products.

But before this could be performed the items were taken out of the compound of Pier 5 and distributed to different lumberyards.

Sibbaluca also ordered CENRO-Cebu City to identify who was responsible for the release as well as the alleged owners and consignees of the lumber.

Of the 155 crates of lumber, 142 were retrieved from seven identified lumberyards.

These were already issued with seizure receipts for turnover and transfer of custody to DENR.

The remaining unaccounted 13 crates of lumber are now being sought in all areas in Metro Cebu and province. - Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP