Cebu tops illegal logs destination in Region 7
The province of Cebu is the top destination of illegal logs from Mindanao last year, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7).
More than half of the illegal logs confiscated by DENR in Central Visayas last year were in Cebu. Seized here were forest products reaching 250,6671 cubic meters worth P12,669,179.00.
“Most of the forest products coming from Mindanao are transported here in Cebu considering the demand here,” said Regional DENR-7 Executive Director Maximo Dichoso.
DENR-7 apprehended more than P13 million worth of illegal forest products equivalent to 439.2205 cubic meters in Central Visayas last year.
Dichoso said the DENR 7 strengthened its anti-illegal logging campaign in Cebu’s port on learning that it is the favorite destination of illegal forest products from Mindanao.
Cebu had the most number of seized forest products worth P12,669,179 and equivalent to 250.6671 cubic meters, followed by Negros Oriental with 59.1924 cubic meters amounting to P547,377 and Bohol with 129.361 cubic meters totaling P329,385.89.
Article continues after this advertisementThe total cost of the undocumented forest product totalled P13,545,942, including the apprehension of 30 conveyances, tools and equipment.
Article continues after this advertisementDichoso said the confiscated forest products would be turned over to the Department of Education for conversion into school chairs and desks.
Dichoso also announced the implementation of the Resolution No. 6 of the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (NAILTF) which started on March 1.
The resolution stated that all confiscated logs and lumber from the country’s natural and residual forests shall be considered state property.
Dichoso said under the new system in forest resource development, the move to tree plantation development gave impetus to recognizing the sustainability of tree plantations as a viable or feasible source of timber.
Under Executive Order 23, issued by Malacañang in February last year, harvesting of forest products from natural forests is banned. /Candeze R. Mongaya, Reporter
