DENR commends police, army officials

Top officers of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Samar and Leyte have received commendation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for supporting the DENR’s campaign against illegal logging.

Given awards during the flag-raising ceremony of the DENR Central Office early this week were Maj. Gen. Glenn Rabonza, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, PA Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar and Chief Superintendent Dionisio Colomo, Regional Director, PNP Region 8, Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun citied their all-out support to the DENR’s forest management efforts by leading personally operations against illegal logging activities in Region 8, and in the massive tree plantation and watershed rehabilitation in the region.

In accepting the awards, the officials said they were pleased to be given the recognition.

Region 8 Regional Executive Director (RED) Leonardo Subbaluca reported that from June to July this year anti-illegal logging activities of the DENR, PA and PNP in joint operations resulted in the apprehension of vehicles containing undocumented common hardwood lumber with a total of 4,942.65 bd. ft., but 1,124.33 of which were forcibly taken by unidentified men the following night after apprehension.

"We will continue our massive operation against forest abusers, now that we are getting support form the military and other sectors. We should help in the protection of our forest especially the people living in communities near the forest lands as they are the most affected one," Sibbaluca said.