14 charged for illegal logging

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – Police have filed charges against 14 persons after 61 power chain saws amounting to P1.3 million were confiscated from them during a simultaneous anti-illegal logging operations across Laguna province on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, newly installed Laguna police director, said most of the arrested suspects were charged for violation of Republic Act 8048 and R.A. 9175 (Coconut Preservation Act of 1995 and Chain Saw Act of 2002) and Presidential Degree 705 as amended by Executive Order No. 277 from various courts.

Cruz said the 61 chain saws amounting to P2,200 each will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 4A for proper disposition.

He said the machines were confiscated by combined elements of Philippine Coconut Authority, the DENR team force and operatives from the Laguna police command in the third and fourth district of Laguna province.