Army seizes more than 200 illegal logs

Security forces seized on Tuesday 212 pieces of logs in Butuan City as part of the government’s campaign against illegal logging.

The logs were intercepted by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Butuan City Police Office, Nasipit Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the local government in barangay Mahogany at about 7:40 a.m.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Osias IV, spokesman of the Army’s 4th division, said the confiscated logs have an estimated market value of P160,000. The logs have been turned over to the local environment office.

He said the interception was made possible by information provided by concerned citizens in the area.

“I appeal to the people to continue helping the brigade and the government in protecting our environment,” Col. Ronald Albano, commander of the Army’s 402nd brigade, said.

“We will not tolerate this destruction of our natural resources,” he added.

Lt. Col. Potenciano Camba, chief of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, vowed to intensify their drive against illegal loggers.

“We will double our efforts in supporting the campaign against illegal logging. We were not able to prevent the cutting of these trees but this will serve as warning for others to stop their illegal activities," Camba said. – Alexis Romero