Local execs warned on logging

Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Friday warned local officials that they faced stiff penalties if they failed to stop illegal logging.

The warning came as Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje complained that the government was having difficulty stopping illegal logging because local officials and police officials were in cahoots with loggers.

In a statement from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Robredo said local officials were responsible for the enforcement of all laws, including a government ban in cutting trees in natural and residual forests.

Robredo said local officials who fail to prevent the entry or transport of illegal logs or timber through their territorial jurisdiction are liable for violation of the total log ban under Executive Order No. 23 issued in April last year. With a report from TJ Burgonio