Retired cop tagged in illegal logging in Kudarat, Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Police and environment officials in Central Mindanao are jointly investigating the involvement of a retired police official in illegal logging operations in the region, particularly in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

The retired police official’s involvement was uncovered after joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) intercepted a truck carrying a 20-foot container van fully loaded with “export-quality” lawaan and other naturally grown hardwood last Sunday morning here.

The confiscated hot timber, estimated at over 8,000 board feet with a commercial value of nearly P1 million, were to be delivered to a consignee in this city, according to Sultan Tungko Saikol, DENR regional executive director based here.

Saikol said the DENR personnel and CIDG operatives immediately impounded the truck after its driver, a certain Ernie Bacus, failed to present any pertinent documents to justify the transport of the timber.

Saikol said they are set to file charges against the driver and his escort, Edilberto Espirito, for violating Presidential Decree 705 or the Illegal Logging Act.

Citing reports relayed to him, Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr., CIDG-Central Mindanao director, said a retired police official based in the region, whom he did not name, owned the confiscated timber.

According to reports reaching The STAR, the retired police official is involved in timber poaching and delivery of illegally cut logs to various parts of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.