Army troopers seize illegally-cut lumber in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2019): Army troopers seize illegally-cut lumber in SurSur

Combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36th IB) seized some 3,071 board feet of illegally cut sawn-lumber in two separate anti-illegal logging operations in Surigao del Sur recently, said Lt. Jonald Romorosa, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 36th IB.

He said the two operations were conducted in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza town and Barangay Maitom, Tandag City in just one day.

The team confiscated 1,471 board feet sawn lumber with an estimated market value of P92,620.00, and banka keels in Lanuza, and a volume of 1,600 board feet with an estimated market value of P30,000.00 in Tandag City.

The 36th IB CMO officer disclosed that from January 2018 up to January 11, 2019, the 36th IB troopers had already conducted several anti-illegal logging operations in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The said operations resulted in the confiscation of 61,754.54 board feet of illegal logs/sawn lumber with an estimated market value worth of P1,547,096.80.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, 36th IB commanding officer, said they have always extended their full support to other government agencies in line with its mandate to protect the natural environment in its area of operation.

“We are serious in the campaign against anti-illegal logging operations and we are committed to support other law enforcement agencies. Let this be a stern warning to all illegal loggers in the province. Stop your illegal activities or suffer the consequences provided by law,” Lt. Colonel Trinidad said.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017231