DENR-7 Seizes P1.16M Finished Forest Products

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 has seized some PhP1.16-million worth of finished and undocumented forest products in a subdivision in Mandaue City.

The seizure came after Executive Judge Teresita Abarquez-Galanida of Regional Trial Court Branch 56 in Mandaue City issued a search warrant against Danilo Apao for violation of Section 77 of Presidential Degree 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines in relation to Executive Order 23.

A total of 34 pieces or four tables and 30 chairs made of rare hardwood “mancono,” also known as “iron wood,” were found inside the house of Apao in Maria Antonia Village, Labogon, Mandaue City.

Mancono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) is one of the most valuable and important species in the Philippines because of its hardness and weight and has been used for posts, saltwater piling, tool handles, bowling balls, dumb-bells, paper weights, and other novelties.

“The owner of the seized forest products will have to undergo an administrative adjudication proceedings to determine its culpability to existing forestry laws and regulations and the appropriate criminal cases will be filed against him,” said DENR-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo.

DENR-7’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Cebu City led by foresters Nolito Lapinig, Lucio Cañete Jr. and Arnold Omandam enforced the search warrant with forest rangers Danilo Orbasido, Lucito Sardañas, Ronilo Rentucan and Ronald Anabieza.

Montejo said the requirement of providing transport documents covering the forest commodities becomes very important, not only as a basis for determining the resource drain but also in providing a control mechanism against the unauthorized movement and disposition of contraband forest products.

“As ordered by the Court, a compliance report will be submitted to Executive Judge Abarquez-Galanida, said CENR Officer Raul Pasoc

Pasoc said the confiscated forest products are now at the DENR-CENRO Cebu City for safekeeping which will be used as pieces of evidence in the court.

“There is no let-up in our campaign against violators of the environmental laws. I have directed our DENR field officers to strictly monitor alleged illegal transport of forest products,” Montejo said.

”The DENR pursues a more vigorous campaign against environmental law violators as environmental law enforcement is one of the priority thrusts of DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje,” Montejo said. (PNA) SCS/EB/SGP