DENR Capiz seizes 900 bamboo poles in Sigma

Mambusao, Capiz — No “river lane” can trick environmental authorities in Capiz as the agency continues to strongly enforce environmental laws in its area of jurisdiction.

A total of 900 bamboo poles with an approximate market value of Php 31,500.00 were seized by a composite team of Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) of the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) – Mambusao, Municipal ENRO of the local government unit of Sigma under MENR Officer Ernesto Gicalde and the Sigma Municipal Police Station.

CENR Officer Gregoria D. Alenaje of CENRO Mambusao acted swiftly on the report from MENRO of LGU Sigma on the alleged illegal transport of bundled bamboo poles using rafts and floated through the waters of Mambusao River. CENRO Alenaje received the information on February 4, 2025 and right away sent the MES team to conduct the ground verification and investigation.

Upon reaching the area, the team saw the bundled bamboo poles. In verifying the legal documents for the transport, the alleged violator presented a photocopy of a Certificate of Bamboo Plantation Registration (No.CBPO-MAM-0517-23-015). However, he failed to provide an authenticated copy of the certificate indicating the date of transport – a requirement stipulated under Section 11 of DAO 2021-26 or “The Rules and Regulations Governing the Establishment, Harvesting, and Transport of Bamboo.”

Further scrutiny of the documents revealed that the payment receipt date for the Certificate of Bamboo Plantation Registration is originally dated May 23, 2023 but had been tampered with. Thus, the bamboo poles were apprehended.

A corresponding apprehension receipt was issued to the alleged perpetrator with copies provided to MENRO Sigma, PNP Sigma and the officials of Poblacion Sur, Sigma. Due to time constraints and challenges in hauling the bamboo poles, the MES team, in coordination with barangay officials, PNP and the MENRO agreed to defer the hauling.

The PNP Sigma personnel assured continuous monitoring of the area by assigning officers in the area.

The CENRO sought assistance from the Sigma Municipal Police Station to ensure the security and integrity of the operation.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Capiz remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and regulations to protect the provinces natural resources. Investigations into this matter are to be scheduled soonest to ensure accountability and compliance with environmental policies.