CENRO-DENR, city apprehends three individuals for tree cutting

Three individuals were arrested for cutting Benguet pine lumber without permit in Sitio Kawa, Purok Ongasan Loakan Proper Barangay on Friday, May 5, 2023.

A concerned citizen reported an alleged tree-cutting early Friday morning to which personnel from Baguio City Police Office Station 4 responded together with the barangay officials and City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO). 

First to arrive on the site are personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO-DENR) and caught three individuals in the act of tree cutting without the necessary Tree-Cutting Permit. 

Confiscated from the individuals were Benguet pine lumbers and slabs with an estimated volume of 203.43 board feet. These are now deposited at the CENRO-DENR in Pacdal. 

Also confiscated were tools used in the tree cutting such as one chainsaw, a bolo and a crow bar. 

The three men were detained by the BCPO for inquest proceedings as to violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 or the “Cutting, Gathering and or collecting timber or other Forest Products without license.”

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong hopes this serves as a warning that the city and concerned citizens are vigilantly monitoring unlawful activities. – JMPS