DENR to go after big-time logging operators

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje

The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is shifting the focus of its anti-illegal logging drive in the rural areas to the big-time operators, according to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

“Sadly, most of those who get caught and are prosecuted are just workers, the drivers or the passengers of trucks caught carrying illegal logs,” said Paje.

Paje said he recently met with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and representatives of the National Bureau of Investigation and concluded an agreement to strengthening intelligence-gathering and prosecution of illegal logging operators.

He said the NBI will be conducting an investigation to probe deeper into the connections among illegal logging operators in the country. The three agencies also agreed to further cooperation in the prosecution of perpetrators.

Paje said most illegal logs change hands at seaports under illicit arrangements, so that it is extremely difficult to track down both the “source” and the “recipient.”