Gozun sacks Northern Mindanao head

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun relieved yesterday her department’s executive director in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) after investigation showed prima facie evidence on his alleged involvement in illegal logging.

Gozun, however, has yet to announce who will replace regional director Fernando Quililan, whose dismissal was effective immediately.

She said other regional DENR personnel also involved in the anomalies have been identified and would receive the "fullest force of the law."

"Public trust carries with it public accountability. There is no room in the DENR for those who wish to engage in nefarious activities at the expense of the environment and our people. May this serve as a warning to all DENR personnel who are in cahoots with lawless elements," she said.

Last Friday, Gozun sent a three-man team to Cagayan de Oro City to investigate Quililan and his men after a local environmental watchdog alleged that the regional director has been receiving bribes from transporters of illegal logs.

The Task Force Macalajar said they have witnesses to prove their charges against Quililan.

Earlier, the local military also accused Quililan of ordering the release of confiscated lumber despite improper documents for their transport.

Investigation showed that Quililan approved the release of about 30,000 board feet of logs, consisting mainly of lauan and mahogany, which elements of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Kalasan had seized at the Iligan City port.

The investigating team questioned the release of the lumber after it found inconsistencies in the transport documents, specifically on the certificate of timber/lumber origin and certificate of transport agreement.

"We understand that there may be other cases of irregularities committed by regional DENR offices. The team is still conducting a thorough review of all other accusations against them and they could still be held accountable for other violations," Gozun said.

The Region 10 officials involved in the anomalies, she said, will be charged administratively and if warranted, criminally.