Execs hope Lanao trees get respite

SAPAD, Lanao del Norte—Lanao del Norte officials said they hoped that the recent raid on illegal sawmills here would provide respite to the abuse of Mt. Inawayan.

On Thursday, four illegal sawmills were dismantled by personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), police and the military in the hinterland villages of Dansalan and Baning here.

Insp. Rando Salvacion, the town police chief, said the sawmills were reportedly owned by Nunungan town councilors Aminoden Makatanong and Lazaro Alamada, Makatanong’s sister, Salam Penduruan and another resident.

Makatanong has denied ownership of two sawmills found adjacent to his residence but admitted these belonged to his sister.

“I already advised my sister and brother-in-law but they did not listen to me,” he said.

Salvacion said charges are being prepared against the suspected owners of the sawmills.

The seized machinery and other equipment—along with forest products recovered—will be used as evidence. —RICHEL UMEL AND NASH MAULANA