10 individuals arrested for illegal mining and illegal logging

Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet- (September 3, 2021) PROCOR cops arrested 10 in separate police operations on August 28- September 2, 2021.

In Barangay Viewpoint Banuae, Ifugao, three (3) suspects identified as Joven Balo-oh Pumihic, 34; Jonas Numbando Pugong, 22; and Arthur Biyao Wagawag, 58, were arrested by joint elements of  Ifugao PPO, CIDG Ifugao, RMFB-15 and PENRO Ifugao after being caught quarrying rocks without necessary permits.

Similarly, in Sangilo, Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet, a miner identified as Oliver Malidong Tuma-ag was turned over to Itogon MPS after being caught in possession of pieces of gold ores during an inspection conducted by the company security guards.

On the other hand, in Kapanikian, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, two (2) suspects identified as Reymar Sangdaan Miguel, 25 and James Sangdaan Miguel, 19, were arrested by joint operatives of CENRO Pinukpuk, 50IB PA, and Kalinga PPO for illegally transporting 57 Narra flitches with an estimated market value of Php 48,000.00 without permit.

Moreover, in Tabuk City, Kalinga, four  (4) suspects identified as Vincent Giwanas Dalanao, 24; Archie Rabang Cadalina, 46; Victor Banya-aw Manya-aw, 24; and Fioni Gornay Yamaw, 27, were arrested by joint elements of the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force Luzon, CENRO and Kalinga PPO after selling illegally sawn lumbers and cutting trees.

All arrested suspects were brought to their respective arresting units, while appropriate charges will be filed against them.

PROCOR  had accomplished 32 anti-illegal logging operations and confiscated 13,562 board feet of illegally sawn assorted lumbers amounting to Php 488,776.74 for the month of August alone.

In addition, PROCOR Regional Director, PBGEN RONALD OLIVER LEE had a dialogue with Director Fay W Apil of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – CAR for the crackdown of illegal mining activities in the region.

Also, as part of PROCOR’s environmental protection efforts under PNP’s “Makakalikasan” core value, a total of 386 tree PLANTING activities were conducted by the different units of PROCOR from January to August of this year. (PROCOR-PIO)