Quezon, Laguna illegal loggers nabbed

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Three suspected members of an illegal logging syndicate operating in Quezon and Laguna were arrested and 18,000 board feet of illegally cut coco lumber were seized in a checkpoint along the National Highway, Barangay Patimbao, Sta. Cruz, here yesterday morning.

Those arrested were Cesar Managas, 46; Alberto Pontamillas, 18; and Jomar Inso, 21; all residents of Quezon province. They were charged for violation of R.A. 8048 (Coconut Preservation Act of 1995).

Police said the confiscated illegal coco lumber, including the 10 wheeler truck (RHD-575) registered under the name of Jose Mumar Veluz, of Kalumpit st., Lucena City, will be turned over to the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Senior Superintendent Manolito Labador, Laguna provincial director, said operatives of the intelligence and investigation division were immediately dispatched along Barangay Patimbao, Sta. Cruz, to conduct a checkpoint when they received information that illegal lumber would be transported to Laguna. – Ed Amoroso