Anti-illegal logging drive checkpoints dismantled

DINGALAN, Aurora, Philippines – Five checkpoints in this town were ordered dismantled and replaced by a single checkpoint for allegedly being “inutile” and ineffective against illegal logging.

The checkpoints – manned by the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, the municipal government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Provincial Mobile Group – were all ordered removed by Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo who instead directed that a single multi-sectoral checkpoint, led by the provincial government, be the one to check passing vehicles.

Angara-Castillo led local officials in inaugurating the provincial government checkpoint composed of a team from the newly formed Task Force “Sagip Kalikasan.” The checkpoint would operate 24/7 or round-the-clock.

At the opening of the checkpoint Monday, Angara-Castillo lambasted Joselito Blanco, DENR community environment and natural resources officer for Dingalan and his aide, Peter Amwao, for allowing the release of logging trucks recently, although they were found to have no supporting documents.

Blanco admitted that it was him who signed the release papers of the logging trucks, saying it has a legitimate timber licensing agreement.

Angara-Castillo told Blanco that she was serious in her campaign against illegal logging and that she would have those responsible relieved or jailed. She said she had caused the removal of two previous CENTROs if illegal logging continues.  

The governor expressed disgust that despite the presence of the five checkpoints, logging trucks continue to pass through them unchecked. “No one would believe that these vehicles could pass with the presence of the PNP, the Army, the DENR and the local government unit. – Manny Galvez