P2.2 Million of 'Hot' Forest Products Confiscated in Bikol in 2009

LEGAZPI CITY - More than P2 million worth of illegal forest products were confiscated in Bikol last year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported.

DENR authorities here said this was due to the strict campaign against illegal logging which resulted in the apprehension and confiscation of 200.109 cubic meters of forest products consisting of round logs, flitches and lumber worth about P2,226,863 and 42 conveyances and 11 chainsaws used in the illegal trade.

At least 15 cases were filed in various courts for violation of Section 68 and 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705 known as the Forestry Code of the Philippines, during the same period.

Forest protection and anti-illegal logging campaign has been and continues to be pursued in order to preserve and protect the region's remaining forestlands, according to DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada.

"This function has been institutionalized as a shared responsibility among Local Government Units, Law Enforcement Agencies, Peoples Organizations, Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs), Civic groups and concerned individuals making the strategy more effective than ever," Fragada said.

He also said that the strict implementation of forest laws and regulations is based on the assumption that anyone who destroys the environment violates the law and the rights of people to a healthy environment and therefore should be meted with appropriate punishment. (ASA)