Firewood-loaded trucks intercepted

CEBU, Philippines - Three trucks loaded with bundles of chopped firewood and sacks of charcoal were intercepted by the Lapu-Lapu City's Task Force Kalikasan on Manuel L. Quezon Highway in Barangay Pusok yesterday morning.

The transportation of the goods was not sanctioned, according to authorities.

Police Officer 1 Brando Maraña said they were conducting a routine patrol around 6 a.m. when they chanced upon three cargo-loaded trucks covered with tarpaulin on top.

Piles of stove-length chopped wood and bulky sacks of charcoal were discovered inside the trucks, Maraña said.

One of the drivers was identified as Regie Jugan, 43, a resident of Barangay Suba, Lilo-an, Cebu. He reportedly owned the Mitsubishi truck (GLW 256) carrying 118 sacks of charcoal and 1,100 bundles of firewood.

Another driver, Jovencio Lato, 48, a resident of Danao City drove a white Isuzu Elf (YDV 219) carrying a total of 104 sacks of charcoal and 982 bundles of wood.

Edgar Butad, 45, a resident of Barangay Yati, Lilo-an, Cebu was driving a green  Isuzu Elf truck (GEG 609) bearing 33 sacks of charcoal, 1,300 tied-up woodpiles and 300 firewood bundles.

Maraña added that the firewood and charcoal came from the towns of San Remegio and Carmen and Danao City and were set to be delivered to stores in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova town.

The TFK said drivers were able to present a permit from Department of Environment and Natural Resources, but they failed to show a permit allowing the transport of the charcoal and firewood.

Because of this, all inventoried items were confiscated by the task force.

In addition, Maraña said the drivers were made to pay P1,000 each as penalty for bringing excess charcoal and firewood. They were not detained.

The trucks were turned over to Cebu Environment and Natural Resources Office for thorough investigation and proper administering.  (FREEMAN)