Amid threats, Nueva Ecija forester transferred to Cagayan Valley

CABANATUAN CITY , Philippines  â€“ A forester of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources who has survived twin slay attempts because of his anti-illegal logging crusade has been reassigned to Region 2 amid threats to his life.

Leovino Ignacio, DENR provincial environment and natural resources officer, said Edgardo de Luna will soon be transferred to Cagayan Valley.

Ignacio said he recommended De Luna’s transfer to regional executive director Maximo Dichoso who, in turn endorsed it to DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

“That’s his (De Luna’s) request because that’s where he hails from and this has been endorsed for approval of the Secretary,” he said.

He said the Nueva Ecija police would continue to provide De Luna with security until his transfer to Region 2. 

De Luna, 49, was shot in the back of his neck by motorcycle-riding men while on his way home last June 14.

It was the second slay attempt on De Luna who was attacked by a lone gunman on May 23 while he was on board a passenger jeep here.

Ignacio said De Luna might have angered members of the syndicate operating in Bongabon town following a series of successful anti-illegal logging operations there.

“This is a big syndicate,” he said.