19/05/2026
PNP FOILS ILLEGAL LOGGING; ₱2.27M WORTH OF NARRA LUMBER, VEHICLE SEIZED
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., conducted an anti-illegal logging operation on May 16 to 17, 2026 at Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, resulting in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of illegally transported forest products and a wing van vehicle.
Acting on information from a concerned citizen regarding the alleged illegal cutting of hardwood trees in the area, operating units from CIDG, intelligence and special operations units, and local police units, in coordination with CENRO Gingoog City, conducted the operation that led to the interception of the illegal shipment and the arrest of the suspect.
Authorities intercepted a wing van loaded with narra lumber and flitches being transported without proper documentation.
Confiscated during the operation were 208 pieces equivalent to 7,122 board feet of mixed-dimension narra lumber and flitches valued at ₱1,068,300.00, along with a wing van valued at ₱1,200,000.00, bringing the total estimated value of confiscated items to ₱2,268,300.00. The suspect and all evidence were brought to Gingoog City Police Station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges in line with Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
The operation reflects the implementation of the PNP Focused Agenda, a transformation framework aimed at making police service more responsive, accountable, and community-centered. Central to this agenda are key priorities such as enhanced managing police operations and active community support, which directly align with strengthened enforcement against environmental crimes through intelligence-driven operations and public cooperation.
“Illegal logging is a serious offense that destroys our environment and endangers future generations. We will continue to enforce the law and ensure accountability for all violators,” said PGEN Nartatez.
“Ang pagprotekta sa kalikasan ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng iilan. Sa sama-samang pagkilos, mas napapalakas natin ang laban kontra illegal logging,” he added.
As the PNP intensifies its campaign against environmental law violations under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)