Illegal loggers arrested

LAGUNA — The military arrested three persons and seized 100,000 board feet of timber worth P10 million during operations in Sitio Piapi, Bgy. Cagsaay III, Mauban, Quezon, recently.

Sketchy reports said three unidentified men suspected to be members of the New People’s Army were arrested by the military under Col. Roland Detabali, Philippine Army brigade commander.

During the operation, the military also confiscated a 10-wheeler cargo truck.

Reports said joint elements of the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and police swooped down on one of the suspected rebels’ hideouts in the mountainous sitio of Piapi in Bgy. Cagsaay III, Mauban, resulting in the confiscation of illegally cut lumber. The military believe that a group of illegal loggers are being protected by a group of rebels who were spotted in the area by residents. — Ed Amoroso