DENR targets illegal charcoal makers

PILAR, Bataan, Philippines – The provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged local officials to wage a collective campaign against illegal charcoal makers believed operating in watershed areas in Mariveles and Bagac towns.

Amado Villanueva, DENR provincial environment and natural resources officer, told The STAR that the illegal operations of these charcoal traders in upland areas are the subject of an extensive campaign by the police, local government units and his agency that has gained positive results in the past three weeks.

Villanueva said two suspected illegal loggers were arrested while five carabaos, 138 board feet of lumber, 26 sacks of charcoal and a closed van were confiscated in various nighttime operations.