P13.4M worth of forest goods seized

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has confiscated an estimated P13.436 million worth of forest products equivalent to 440.8 cubic meters of forest products from January to November 2011.

“The confiscation was undertaken due to the absence of transport documents from its origin, and misdeclaration as to the type of tree species as contained in the Certificate of Timber or Lumber Origin,” DENR-7 Executive Director Maximo Dichoso said.

The forest products were confiscated for violation of PD-705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines and DENR Department Administrative Order # 97-32.

The forest products seized include lumber, flitches, timber, log, squared timber, boat keel, firewood, logbolts, charcoal, tanbark and poles. 

Most of the forest products seized equivalent to 250.8171 cubic meters with an estimated value of P12,573,000 came from Cebu while 135.299 cubic meters valued at over P379,496 came from Bohol and 54.3674 cubic meters valued at over P483,129 came from Negros Oriental.

“The movement of logs, lumber, plywood, veneer, non-timber forest products and wood-based or non-wood based products or commodities must be covered with appropriate original certificates of origin,” Dichoso said.

Certificate of Lumber Origin refers to the document the DENR issues to accompany the shipment (transport) of lumber, showing the number of pieces, species volume, place of loading, conveyance used, date of transport, its source and its consignee.

Dichoso indicated the importance of providing transport documents to closely monitor not only the resource drain but also in providing control mechanism against the unauthorized movement and disposition of contraband forest products.

“There is no let up in DENR’s campaign against violators of environmental laws,” he said, adding, that the agency is strictly monitoring illegal transport of forest products in close coordination with the provincial task force.

Most confiscations are made at the pier areas of Tagbilaran and Talibon, Bohol; Argao, Carmen, Toledo City and Cebu City; Ayungon and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and Siquijor.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier signed Executive Order 23 which states, among others, the composition of a National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (NAILTF) chaired by DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and the operationalization of a regional and provincial anti-illegal logging task force. (FREEMAN)