Gov't optimistic of achieving 'zero-illegal logging hotspots'

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government expressed optimism today that it could meet its target of "zero- illegal logging hotspots" by 2016 through continued imposition of the total log ban.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said that an evaluation on the progress of Executive Order No.23, which declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests nationwide, indicates a positive trend in its implementation.

"As a result of the order, illegal logging hotspots are now down to 31 from a high of 197 in 2010. We have tightened the noose around the remaining hotspot areas with support from law enforcement agencies led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Paje said.

Prior to the issuance of EO No.23, only a total of 6.4 million board feet were seized by the DENR. But Paje said that confiscations significantly increased by 59 percent at 10.28 million board feet as the government's intensified anti- illegal logging operations went into full swing in 2012.

The figures dropped by 60 percent in 2013 at 4.1 MMFBM and by 70.5 percent as of September this year at 1.2 MMFBM, indicating that illegal logging activities have slowed down two years after EO No.23 was implemented, Paje said.

He added the government targets to eliminate all remaining illegal logging hotspots in the country before President Benigno S. Aquino III steps down in June 2016.

Paje said the enforcement of EO No.23 resulted in the filing of 1,370 cases in court and close to 200 individuals declared conviction.