Boatload of hardwood lumber intercepted

BARANGAY CABULIHAN, MAASIN CITY – Just when we thought the Total log Ban Bill sponsored by Congressman Roger G. Mercado which was approved last November 14 was being implemented we learn that its still being ignored by illegal loggers in the city.

For last week a commercial fishing boat loaded with Kalantas and Lawaan hardwood lumber was intercepted inside Maasin city waters by a Bantay Dagat Team led by Provincial Police Director Pepito Pacada and City Police Chief Hector Enage. The law enforcers were accompanied by Domingo Ligalig, Diosdao Obligado and Melicio Gaviola of the Department of Agriculture.

Found aboard the boat were over 5,000 board feet of Kalantas and white Lawaan lumber valued at P 300,000. The boat owner who was also its captain and his crew had no permit to transport the lumber anywhere. Enage also said the boat’s registration had expired.

According to investigators the crew who were from Socorro, Surigao del Norte had probably smuggled lumber from the upland barangays here before. The lumber and fishing boat are now in police custody.
Police are questioning the boat owner and crew to find out where they got the lumber so they can arrest their local government partners.

A police official who requested anonymity told SLT there was no way such a large amount of hardwood could be harvested from the city without the knowledge of barangay officials. He said the local CENRO here should investigate the incidence and file charges against the violators of the “Total Log Ban Bill” now in effect in the entire province.
(By ANTONIO M. REYES)

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