3 Individuals were arrested for illegal logging in Apayao

Personnel from Luna MPS and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Calanasan arrested three individuals for violation of PD 705 or “The Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines” at Purok 1, Brgy Luyon, Luna, Apayao in the evening of August 2, 2021.

Based on reports submitted to PBGEN RONALD OLIVER LEE, Regional Director, the suspects were identified as Edgar Corales Silao, 52; Elmer Corales Silao, 55; and Ethel Ibana Butac, 39, all residents of Luna, Apayao.

According to Luna MPS, a phone call from Brgy Kagawad Erwin Aquino Balderama that he has in his custody three (3) drivers of a motorcycle with a sidecar transporting illegally sawn lumbers prompted them to coordinate with CENRO Calanasan and responded immediately to the reported place.

Upon arrival, Forester Louie Veles asked the suspects for any pertinent permit from DENR but failed to show any documents that resulted in their arrest.

Confiscated from them were 12 pieces of sawn lumber with a total of 380.33 board feet with a market value amounting to more or less Php 11,409.90 and three motorized tricycles used for the supposed transportation of the lumbers.

Arrested suspects were brought into the custody of Luna MPS for the filing of appropriate charges against them while the illegally sawn lumbers were properly turned over to CENRO Calanasan for documentation and proper disposition. (PROCOR-PIO)