CEBU, Philippines — Four persons were arrested after they allegedly cut trees without a permit in Barangay Poblacion, Oslob, Cebu Sunday afternoon.
The arrested suspects were identified as Venancio Balansag, 64, owner and operator of the recovered chainsaw; Ruben Tolentino, 49, Joseph Balansag, 32; and Reynaldo Nebril, 46, all residents of Oslob town.
Police Senior Inspector Clemente Ceralde Jr., Oslob Police Station chief, said that they received a phone call from a concerned citizen about the illegal cutting of trees in the area.
The Oslob police together with the Regional Mobile Force Branch (RMFB) - 7 immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report and caught the suspects cutting trees using a chainsaw.
The suspects failed to present documents allowing them to cut trees. Balansag also does not have a license to possess a chainsaw.
Police seized lumber of Alom and Tamarind trees amounting to P108,161.
Ceralde said that aside from their strong campaign against illegal drugs, police are also active against illegal logging which contributes in the destruction of natural resources.
He added that they will strengthen their information drive in all barangays of Oslob to inform the constituents of their responsibility to the environment. (FREEMAN)