CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A total of 391 pieces of assorted good lumber with a total estimate of 3,250 board feet from illegally cut logs were confiscated by the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Philippine National Police (PNP) from January to May 2012.

The anti-illegal logging campaign in Eastern Visayas is a joint effort of 8ID, PNP and DENR, which resulted to the confiscation of 21,131 bd ft of illegally cut logs with an estimate value of 781,847 pesos in 2011.

Under Executive Order No. 23, a moratorium was declared on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and the creation of anti-illegal logging task force was mandated. The local DENR is designated as the head of the task force, while AFP and PNP units are lead agencies in confiscating illegally cut logs and illegal saw l mills.

“We will support the DENR in their Anti-Illegal Campaign as mentioned in EO No. 23 through confiscation of illegally cut logs and saw mills in the division area of responsibility” said BGen Gerardo T Layug, Commander, 8ID, PA.

Layug added that the Army, PNP and DENR will continue its effort in protecting our forests and will also intensify its tree growing activities to conserve our endangered forests while pursuing sustainable development in the area.

PR by the 8TH INFANTRY (STORMTROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY