The three suspects caught in the act of cutting natural grown trees at the forest of Brgy. Bagong Silang, Salvador Benedicto, have been freed, at least for now.

Chief Inspector Leonardo Angcon, Salvador Benedicto police chief, yesterday confirmed the release of the three suspects after their reglamentary period of detention lapsed.

Suspected timber poachers William Villafuerte, Romeo Ugbamen and Mateo Senubehan, all residents of Brgy. Bagong Silang, Salvador Benedicto, were arrested by a composite team of Task Force Ilahas, police, Army, Bantay Bukid Brigade members on Oct. 16. Angcon said their release had clearance from the DENR.

Timber poaching activities at Spur 7, Brgy. Bagong Silang, Salvador Benedicto, have damaged four hectares and at least 14,000 board feet of trees of banned species, have been cut from the damaged forest, TFI records show. Charges for violation of Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines were not filed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources so far, allegedly because TFI failed to furnish them with their apprehension report.

Chief Inspector Calixto Mabugat, TFI assistant action officer, however, insisted that they have furnished DENR with their apprehension report, including the affidavit of arrest prepared and signed by PO1 Bustamante and Jardinico. TFI investigations show that the arrested suspects were hired by Justino Bandolon, former councilor of Salvador Benedicto, to plant fruit-bearing trees in the cleared areas of the forest.*GPB

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