Hot logs seized in Agusan Sur

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines  – An anti-illegal logging task force composed of policemen and Department of Environment and Natural Resources personnel intercepted a truckload of illegal logs estimated to be worth P316,000 in Barangay Sta Fe, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Thursday, police said. 

The task force also shut down three illegal sawmills in the area.

Reports from the Esperanza, Agusan del Sur Municipal Police Office relayed to Agusan del Sur Provincial Police then to Caraga Police Regional Information Office claimed joint elements from Esperanza Police Station, Task Force Pagbabago from the Central Office headed by Erenio Salvador, DENR Regional Office personnel led by Herman Ramirez and CENRO personnel of Bayugan City headed by Lazareto Estorque intercepted one Fuso truck (GSY 392) fully loaded with suspected hot logs.

The truck contained 43 pieces of mixed dipterocarp logs with aggregated volume of 23.35 cubic meters and with an estimated market value of P180,000 and 793 flitches of mixed dipterocarp lumbers with an aggregated volume of 5,474.43 board feet valued at P136,000.

Authorities also confiscated three ply wheels and eight sawmill blades from three illegal sawmills built without corresponding government permits and have been existing for two years already in Esperanza town.

The report claimed the confiscated illegally cut forest products and sawmill accessories were brought to CENRO office in Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur for documentation and proper disposition.