A ten-wheeler truck loaded with assorted lumber was apprehended by Task Force Kalikasan in Lapu-Lapu City last Monday.
The truck driver failed to present a certificate of transport permit for the forest products. Authorities turned over the truck and its load to the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in pier 3.
The 16,533 board feet of lumber has an estimated worth of P33,000.
PO3 Kent Lisen one of the task force members said they were conducting random monitoring when they intercepted the red ten-wheeler truck with plate number GDE-584 in M.L. Quezon Street.
The truck was driven by Junrey Verdida, 33, of Cordova town.
Verdida said the lumber was from mahogany and acacia trees in Liloan town to be used in making crates and was being delivered to a Japanese national in barangay Cogon, Cordova.
Lisen said they are still investigating the identity of the real owner of the seized lumber and whether he can present permits to prove that it was legally acquired.
Authorities are on the trail of illegal lumber since Presiden Benigno Aquino III declared ban on logging two years ago. /Correspondents Fe Marie D. Dumaboc and Norman V. Mendoza