Mill operator arrested for cutting trees in watershed

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 raided a sawmill that was illegally operating in the mountain barangay of Sinsin in Cebu City.

DENR personnel and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation confiscated lumber, forest products, and tools and equipment for wood cutting and manufacturing amounting to P169,665 from one James Sugarol last February 17.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca said the raid was conducted after residents in the barangay complained of the illegal cutting of trees and operation of the mill.

Sugarol allegedly had been cutting premium wood inside the reforested area of Mananga Watershed, which was declared a protected area.

Sibbaluca said cutting what is not naturally planted is already against the law in itself. Anyone caught doing so would have to pay a fine equal to the investment in planting the trees.

The City Environmental and Natural Resources Office in Cebu City already started the inventory on the number of Narra, Gemelina, Teak and Mahogany trees that were cut at the reforested area of Mananga watershed.

Sugarol allegedly was not issued a Special Private Land Timber Permit by DENR Secretary Lito Atienza to harvest and utilize premium wood species like the Narra and Teak.

Likewise, CENRO reportedly did not issue a Self Monitoring Form to Sugarol to transport mahogany and gemelina lumber.

DENR said Sugarol has violated Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Reform Code and Republic Act 7161, which punishes the unlicensed cutting, gathering or collecting timber or other forest products.

Sibbaluca said Sugarol’s family has been issued a cease and desist order by DENR way back 2007 when his father was still the one operating the mill.

Sugarol is currently detained at the NBI together with his wife and daughter who joined him voluntarily.

DENR is also eyeing two other saw mills in Minglanilla town that are allegedly operating illegally. A warrant of arrest for the operators is expected to be issued soon. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)