BACOLOD City — Three men were apprehended after authorities discovered approximately 700 board feet of mahogany logs being transported in Hacienda Fanny, Barangay Zone 10, Talisay City, on October 18.
The Talisay City Police Station said the incident occurred at around 1:40 p.m. after personnel of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) sought police assistance following a report of suspected illegal logging in the area.
Responding police officers proceeded to the location and assisted CENRO personnel in intercepting a white Mitsubishi Canter occupied by the three men.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases as “Jay,” 58, a rice mill operator; “Ranny,” 31, a driver; and “Jeff,” 30, a helper. All three are residents of Barangays 26 and 27 in Bacolod City.
During inspection, authorities discovered 27 pieces of mahogany logs of various sizes loaded onto the vehicle.
The confiscated timber was estimated at approximately 700 board feet, with a total value of P35,000.
Authorities turned over the confiscated logs to CENRO in Bago City for proper disposition and appropriate action in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Police said the suspects remained in custody over an alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which governs the protection, development and management of the country’s forest resources.
The case remains subject to further investigation and appropriate legal proceedings./PN
