PNP seeks more informants on illegal logging
by Mai Gevera
Davao City (10 October) -- Believed to be solved with a joint effort from all parties involved, the Philippine National Police-Cateel is encouraging more brave souls to spill the identities involved in the illgal logging business in the said town.
Intensified campaign in now taking place after receiving complaints and protests from civilians on the alleged tolerated illegal logging in Cateel.
PNP-Cateel chief Rod de los Reyes explained how the said problem is seen by the government as a serious issue. " It will definitely be a long fight.", he said.
To strengthen the campaign and to elicit more support, de los Reyes held seminar on forestry laws held first in Barangay Aliwagwag and Brangay Taytayan.
Cateel-PNP considered 8 barangays in the municipality as illegal logging hotspots. These are composed of Barangays Aliwagwag, Taytayan, Maglahus, Malibago, Aragon, San Alfonso, Mainit, and Abijod.
"I had it first in Brgy. Aliwagwag. And next in line is Brgy. Taytayan, and the rest of the anti-illegal logging hotspots", de loa Reyes said.
Cateel-PNP considered 8 barangays in the municipality as illegal logging hotspots.
These are composed of Barangays Aliwagwag, Taytayan, Maglahus, Malibago, Aragon, San Alfonso, Mainit, and Abijod.
To ascertain more success in their campaign, the Cateel-PNP cited five recommendations.
First is the continuous support from the local government in terms of logistical equipment, to provide incentives to those informants responsible in determining and apprehending violators, legal and professional assistance for cases in court, the conduct of seminars and service trainings, and the strong and brave heart to sustain advocacy for peace and order, and for environmental protection.
De los Reyes called on his colleagues in public service to be truthful to their work, particularly in their campaign against illegal activities.
"I must admit that right now, I am receiving pressures from those influential persons hit by our relentless campaign", the officer said.
The Chief of Police stressed that the strong arm of the law against lawless elements can be attained through true enforcement, without fear and favor.
Based on the Cateel-PNP's accomplishment report, they confiscated 50 pieces of Dipterocarp logs, 137 pieces of mixed species cut-of logs (Lauaan, Mayapis, Pine), 71.7 cubic meters of mixed Lauaan, Mayapis, Pine), and 56 pieces of mixed Falcata, Mayapis, and others, all turned over to the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. (PIA-XI & DXHM) [top]
