ABOUT 267 BOARD FEET OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL TIMBER RECOVERED IN SANTA MARIA

20 pieces of lumber from the suspected illegal cutting of mahogany and gmelina trees were seized by the staff of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sta. Cruz and Santa Maria PNP in a house in Brgy. JP Laurel, Santa Maria, Laguna

As many as 267 board feet of wood were confiscated by the authorities with a total value of P15,000

On an interview with CENRO Sta Cruz Officer-in-charge Venerando Garcia, it was found that the owner of the trees does not have any corresponding tree cutting permit, transport permit, or receipt from the legal plantation so they consider they are illegal.

According to Garcia, the law strictly prohibits the illegal cutting of trees and the transportation of wood from it, especially if there is no corresponding permit from the department.

“We are allowed to harvest, cut trees but it must be in accordance with our existing laws, rules, and regulations. If you harvest on a private land, you must harvest only what you planted. It cannot be naturally grown. And when you plant a tree, you need to register with DENR,” he said.

Garcia added that the owner of the said wood can explain at the office of CENRO Sta. Cruz and if they can show the legal and official documents, the confiscated wood will be returned to it’s rightful owner.

Possible charges of violation of Presidential Decree No. 705, s.1975 or Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines may be charged.

The operation is part of the strengthened enforcement activity of CENRO Sta. Cruz in the third and fourth districts of Laguna against illegal logging. //(Edjun Mariposque)