DENR asked: Probe logging in Casecnan watershed

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Apparently disgusted over the alleged inaction of local authorities, residents in Alfonso Castañeda town where the Casecnan multi-purpose irrigation and power project is located, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to look into what they described as the "unabated" illegal cutting of trees in their protected forest reserves.

Earlier, Senior Superintendent Roberto Mangaccat, provincial police director, and Roberto Apigo, provincial environment officer, promised to investigate the reports.

But until now, barangay officials and residents claimed that the illegal cutting and transport of forest products still go unabated, prompting them to call the DENR’s attention.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the group’s leader said the DENR should "police" the provincial environment office, claiming that certain employees, along with some policemen, have been conniving with illegal loggers, especially in transporting the illegally cut logs.

According to the group, some natives are paid to cut narra and other hardwood trees through the so-called "carabao logging" in the Casecnan watershed.

Barangays Pelaway and Cauayan, two of the five "impact" villages of the Casecnan irrigation and power project, are reportedly the major hubs of illegal logging.

The group said semi-finished narra and hardwood products are transported from Cauayan to Pelaway where they are wrapped in cardboard and transported in passenger jeepneys, mostly at night. 

The contraband passes through DENR and police checkpoints "unmolested," the group added.