About 700,000 board feet of illegally-cut and acquired timber and lumber, with an estimated market value of P21 million, were seized by the Task Force Ilahas since its re-activation from 2002 up to 2007 in Negros Occidental, Supt. William Senoron, in a report, said

Senoron, who is the TFI action officer, yesterday said 273 persons were also arrested and charged in court for violation of PD 705, known as the revised Forestry Code of the Philippines .

However, the volume of confiscations has significantly dropped from its peak of 625,086.89 board feet in 2002; 34,582. 68 in 2003; 30,664. 46 in 2004; 1,769 in 2005; 5603. 73 in 2006 and further reduced to 2,372 board feet last year, TFI records also showed.

Sixty-one cases were also filed against PD 705 violators.

Jose Maria Valencia, TFI chief executive officer, on the other hand, ordered Ilahas to conduct an investigation on the massive cutting of trees in Candoni, which was planted by the previous town administration.

Senoron admitted the continuing timber poaching activities, especially in northern and southern Negros forestal areas, although said to be very minimal, compared to previous years.

However, the problem, in some instances, no longer reach their attention as it is addressed by Bantay Bukid Brigade members and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the barangay level.

But he said they continue holding pulong-pulongs on various stakeholders living near or within the forestal areas, as one way of combating timber poaching activities.

Senoron lamented that the bulk of square timber and lumber seized in 2002, are no longer usable as they are already decaying, despite their repeated request and appeal from DENR for its use.

More than 500 BBB members are assisting the TFI and DENR in the enforcement of forestry laws in northern Negros alone.*GPB

back to top