P1.1-M illegal forest products seized in Central Mindanao

Koronadal City — The intensified campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against illegal logging in Central Mindanao (Region 12) has resulted in the seizure of P1.1 million worth of forest products from January to March this year.

Citing the accomplishement report of the Forest Management Service (FMS), Jim Sampulna, regional executive director of DENR in Central Mindanao, some 69,566.89 board feet of illegally-cut timber were confiscated during the said period, valued roughly at P1,107,833 at P18 per board foot.

Sampulna said the average apprehension per month from January to March was 23,000 board feet, which for him, is a clear indication that the "DENR is not sleeping on its job."

He said the seizure of the illegally-cut forest products was made possible through the help of the civilians and close coordination with the local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies such as the police and military.

Abdulnagib Ringia, FMS senior forest management specialist, said most of the confiscated illegal forest products came from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

In Sultan Kudarat, for example, he said that the total board feet of seized forest products during the same period was 36,852.98 while in Sarangani, it was17,330.89 board feet.

Sampulna urged the public to continue helping the DENR in its anti-illegal logging campaign. He assured them that they will also continue the fight against violators of forestry laws in the region. — Ramil Bajo