Three face raps for cutting trees

CEBU, Philippines - Only three of the eight people initially identified to be responsible for cutting Mahogany trees in Talisay City are facing charges.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier tagged eight people but Leo Tugonon, the former Barangay Captain of Manipis, could identify only three. Tugonon, the president of the Arthur Farmers Organization, reportedly witnessed the incident.

Those facing charges are Parent-Teacher Association President Isidro Silva, Talisay City Government worker Mariano Silva, and Barangay Manipis councilman Eduardo Abalo.

Florentino Supino Jr., Assistant Superintendent for Protected Area in Central Cebu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, charged them for violating Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

Tugonon pointed to Abalo as the one who allegedly authorized the two Silvas to cut the trees last March 5 in Barangay Campinsa.

Meanwhile, Supino said there is insufficient evidence to link Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to the incident despite his admission of lending a chainsaw.

“Mayor Johnny V. Delos Reyes admitted he lent a chainsaw, but DENR could not establish if the chainsaw used in cutting the Mahogany is that chainsaw Mayor JVR lent,” Supino said.

The mayor has denied any involvement.

“Wala ko nagpatukod ug balay ug wala sad ko nagnegosyo ug kahoy. Kining hitabu-a, naa gyu’y nagpaluyo ani. Dili makita pero maklaro (I am not building a house and I am not selling wood. It is clear someone is behind this incident),” said the mayor’s brother, Joel. – Juffer Denn C. Bornales and Lara Praz C. Mayol, CNU Comm Interns/JMO (FREEMAN)