Government forces apprehend illegal cutting in Sibariwan, Dumarao

Dumarao, Capiz – Sixty-two (62) pieces of lumber cut from Bayog (Pterospermum acerifolium) and five pieces of Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) posts with a total volume of 379 board feet and valued at approximately Php 15,144.00 was recovered from Barangay Sibariwan, Dumarao, Capiz on January 20, 2025.

Prior to the actual recovery of illegally cut forest products, Sibariwan barangay officials, led by Punong Barangay Querubin P. Pamplona, Jr. and Kagawad Jonnel P. Porras,have conducted an active surveillance and monitoring of the illegal activities in their areas of responsibility.

Upon confirmation of the ongoing illegal tree cutting activity on January 19, 2025, the local officials collaborated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community ENR Office (DENR-CENRO) Mambusao.

On January 20, 2025, the CENRO Mambusao, through its personnel from the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES), carried out an operation against environmental perpetrators alongside PNP Dumarao Municipal Police Station (MPS) team and the barangay officials. The team has sought the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for security purposes.

With a directive from Provincial Director PCOL Albert D. Tapulao of the Capiz Provincial Police Office (CPPO), the Dumarao MPS headed by PCPT Tobias S Garfin, and PLT John Paul A Labtic of the 2nd Platoon Mobile Force Company in Bungsuan, Dumarao, Capiz, had aided the DENR personnel, the Sibariwan barangay officials and the composite team proceeded with the investigation and ground verification and the
eventual confiscation of the illegal forest products.

A partially constructed house within the forestland area where the illegal cutting took place was also demolished by the team. The DENR – MES Mambusao personnel, namely: Forest Technician Donnald Dalmacio, Forest Ranger Romeo Coronado; Forest Protection Officers Mike Zabala, Jimmy John Villasis, Antonino Estocada, and Jingkie Lapidez; MES Staff Razzel Jean Alim, Agustin Falle and driver Reynold Cobrado, was led by Forester I Arlene Cobrado, MES Chief.

Encouraged by the bravery and courage of its Provincial ENR Office in implementing covert operations against environmental violators, CENRO Mambusao had taken the cue proactively. PENRO Capiz, under the active leadership of PENR Officer Ernest C. Federiso, had given its strong support to CENRO Mambusao in order to stop environmental violators from causing further damage to the province’s rich
forestlands.

“We, at the DENR CENRO Mambusao, are grateful to the active surveillance and collaboration of the barangay officials led by Kap Pamplona, Jr. as well as the ready and active support of the PNP force. Thus, we are able to successfully apprehend the violators,” said Forester Gregoria Alenaje, CENR Officer of DENR – CENRO Mambusao. “We are also greatly encouraged by the support from our PENRO,” she added.

The PNP personnel who accompanied the MES Team and ensured the safety of the group were PAT James F Bacia, PAT Eric Calicdan, of the 2nd Platoon Mobile Force Company in Bungsuan, Dumarao and PSSG Genel M Soberano and PCPI Jove Soprecencia of the Dumarao MPS.

The apprehended forest products are temporarily placed under the custody of the officials of Sibariwan, Dumarao, Capiz for proper disposition in accordance with forestry laws, rules, and regulations.

“We commend the efforts of CENRO Mambusao and we appeal to all Capiznons and the general public as a whole to remain vigilant in helping combat illegal tree cutting and land encroachment within our forestland areas,” said DENR 6 OIC Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla. “After all, we want to leave behind a greener and a more sustainable future for our children’s children,” he added./DENR 6