Thousands of illegally cut logs seized in Agusan

TAGUM CITY, Philippines — Forest rangers under the National Anti-Illegal Task Force of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seized logs that could fill up 21 large trucks during an operation in Loreto, Agusan del Sur early Monday.

The 2,461 lauan logs–with a total volume of 490.21 cubic meters and valued at P3.4 million–were found in Sitio (sub-village) Marang in Kasapa village, according to Louie Ceniza of the task force.

Ceniza told the INQUIRER by text message that a joint team from Compostela Valley, Tagum City and from Caraga Region conducted the operation around 4 a.m. Elements from the military’s intelligence group in Southern Mindanao also participated in the operation, he said.

No arrests were made, however, as the culprits had fled before authorities arrived, Ceniza said.

“The confiscated logs are now deposited at the Tagum City motor pool under the protective custody of Mayor Rey Uy,” he said.

Uy said the latest haul would be turned over to the city government, which will convert the logs into chairs and desks to various public schools.

For over five years now, the city government has been fabricating chairs, desks and other school fixtures out of confiscated logs turned over by the DENR.

The latest seizure, Uy said, translates into an additional 7,000 chairs and desks for various schools in the region.

But he said the sad thing was that illegal harvesting of trees was continuing.

“They won’t stop so we would also be relentless in making apprehensions,” Uy told the INQUIRER by mobile phone.