JVR, police chief investigate cops in timber smuggling

THE Talisay City police and city government are investigating allegations that some members of the local police force are involved in smuggling of illegal forest products last Thursday.

Mayor Johnny V. Delos Reyes mentioned in his inaugural speech last Thursday that he wants the allegation that policemen are involved in the illegal act investigated.

Supt. Resty Santos, chief of the Talisay City Police Office, said two members of the police force are now under investigation over allegations they are protectors of the timber smugglers.

He however did not name them.

“Don’t try JVR. Although he is a good man but please don’t do something bad in my administration,” Mayor Delos Reyes said.

Santos said the timber smugglers escaped after they realized that authorities had been alerted. In fact, of the reported 500 pieces of lumber worth about P1.5 million, only five pieces with an estimated worth of P3,000 were unloaded and are now in the custody of the local police.

Unconfirmed reports however, claim that at least 50 pieces of illegal lumber had been ferried away by a 10-wheeler truck.

The pumpboat carrying the illegal lumber, according to Santos fled towards Bohol./Correspondent Christine Emily L. Pantaleon