Gozun vows swift action on raps vs Reg. 10 head

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has sent a three-man team to Cagayan de Oro City to investigate its Northern Mindanao director whom a local environmental watchdog has accused of receiving bribes from illegal loggers.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun vowed to immediately act on the results of the probe on Region 10 director Fernando Quililan.

Gozun opted not to temporarily relieve Quililan while he is being investigated, saying this is not necessary since she herself would decide on the case.

"We will definitely take a quick action on this but of course, still with due process," she said.

The Task Force Macajalar has accused Quililan of being involved in bribery, saying it has witnesses to prove its allegations.

Maj. Johnny Macanas, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, earlier alleged that Quililan had ordered the release of confiscated logs, mainly lauan, mahogany and dau, despite improper documents covering their transport.

Quililan has denied the allegations, saying they were unfounded. — Katherine Adraneda