Bataan mayor probed on illegal logging

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje yesterday ordered an in-depth investigation into the alleged involvement of a Bataan town mayor in illegal logging.

Paje issued the directive after the local government official was caught in possession of forest products in violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

Paje’s order stemmed from the seizure by foresters of a truckload of undocumented first-class timber during a raid on the residence of Bagac Mayor Rommel del Rosario at La Katrina Subdivision in Balanga City.

“The fight against illegal logging and other forms of environmental law violations is a top priority of President Aquino, as the depletion of our forest cover will continually put our people at high risk due to the growing intensity of typhoons that visit the country due to climate change,” he said.

Citing reports submitted by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ricardo Lazaro, Paje said 35 pieces of chain-sawn lauan timber, measuring 709 board feet valued at around P31,000, were found loaded on a dump truck registered under the municipality of Bagac.

Also, a portable sawmill equipped with a 12-inch circular blade was also discovered in a secluded part of a nearby lot allegedly owned by the mayor. The lot yielded 18 more pieces of heavy lumber with a total volume of 261 board feet.

“Bagac is identified as one of the hot spots for illegal logging activities in Bataan,” Paje said.

He said Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr. was immediately informed about the seizure being the chairman of the multi-agency task force on illegal logging, fishing and quarrying under an existing memorandum of agreement with concerned agencies.

Paje said the apprehension was an offshoot of a surveillance operation in Bagac following leads from the townsfolk on illegal logging in their municipality.

Forester Edgar Laggui, leader of the apprehending team, said the makeshift wood facility was littered “with thick layers of sawdust” when they secured the area, an indication that the sawmill “has long been in operation.”

Laggui said the truck driver and his helper escaped after seeing the DENR’s five-man team approaching. 

The vehicle with the seized timber is now impounded at the Bataan police headquarters at Camp Tolentino for safekeeping pending the investigation. 

Lauan is a premium hardwood species whose exportation is banned. Cutting lauan trees, whether in public or private land, requires a clearance from the DENR secretary himself under DENR Administrative Order 78.