Acting on the intelligence report from elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Field Unit X (RFU X), the Composite Quick Response Team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region X (DENR X) composed of personnel from CENRO Initao, PENRO Misamis Oriental and Regional Office, apprehended two winged van trucks loaded with undocumented forest products with a combined number of 419 pieces and an aggregate volume of 13,547.44 board feet of believed to be Mancono and Dipterocarp species valued at more than two million pesos, along the coastal road of Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City on March 18, 2022.

RED Adornado disclosed that the apprehension will not be possible without the full support of the CIDG X. Upon inventory and scaling, the total value of the undocumented forest products was computed as 2.4M at 150 pesos per boardfoot.

He stressed that under his leadership, the DENR X will not only focus on rehabilitation effort but will further step up its campaign in enforcing environmental laws, rules and regulations in the region in line with instruction of DENR Secretary Jim O. Sampulna. He reminded the public that transporting undocumented forest products is prohibited and warned those would-be violators to cease on illegal activities otherwise they will suffer the consequences pursuant to extant regulations.

“I thank the CIDG X for their full assistance and commitment in the campaign to enforce forestry laws, rules and regulations,” RED Adornado said.

Report indicated that on March 18, 2022 at around 10:30 in the morning elements of CIDG intercepted two units winged van trucks loaded with undocumented forest products (in plain view), along the coastal road of Brgy. Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. The elements of CIDG then reported the incident to DENR X which immediately responded. After the issuance of apprehension receipt, the said trucks (with plate number CBN-3687 and CBJ-9795), and undocumented forest products were brought to the depository area for safekeeping pending further legal action on the matter.

Meanwhile, the truck drivers and helpers were brought by the CIDG personnel for the inquest proceedings and detained at the CIDG Office, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

The lawyers of the DENR X Legal Division are now preparing for all the documentary requirements for filing of appropriate charges against the offenders before the City Prosecutors Office. (#TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 03-108-2022)