Forest guard wanted after logging incident

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Antonio "Jojo" Bacaltos, who is the chairman of the committee on environment, is mulling to put up a forest guard in Sitio Campinsa, Barangay Manipis after the recent incident involving individuals cutting mahogany trees in the area.

Bacaltos already conducted an ocular inspection in the site following reports he received from Leo Togonon, president of a farmer organization, that an "illegal" tree-cutting activity happened in the said place.

The brother of Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, Joel, and seven other individuals were accused of cutting eight mahogany trees in the protected timberland area.

Bacaltos said he will be sending a letter to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide two to four organic personnel to be detailed in the area.

"Ako gyung gusto ma-24 hours ang ilang bantay kay ang mga mamutulay og kahoy diha man molihok sa gabii," Bacaltos said.

The DENR is now investigating the alleged illegal cutting of trees in Campinsa.

A notice of   hearing was already sent to De los Reyes and Kagawads Eduardo Abalo and Antonio Javier. The DENR also summoned Roger Bajo, the school head of Manipis, truck driver Virgilio Bastida, Araulfo Enjada, Roldan Basamayor and Marciano Silva, the chainsaw operator.

The cutting was reportedly made within the Osmeña reforestation area, one of the oldest plantations in the country located in Manipis.

The eight persons will be made to explain why they should not be penalized for violating Section 77 of the Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines and Executive Order No. 23 or the moratorium on the cutting of trees.

Under the law, a tree cutting permit may be taken from the DENR regional director, provided that the clearance to cut is obtained from the DENR central office. (FREEMAN)