Motor banca apprehended for illegal cargo
A motorized banca loaded with illegal forest products was apprehended by the Philippine National Police of Carles PO2 Joey A. Enojas together wih Carles Bantay Dagat Member Samuel A. Suguano while patrolling along the seashore of Carles, Iloilo at around 5:30 pm recently.
The apprehended M/B Nikki manned by Rubencio V. Robiso and Arnel A. Robiso had not presented a proof of authority or permits issued covering the transport or ownership of the forest products. It consists of 50 pieces Apitong and Red Lauaan equivalent to 2.52 cu.m. and were transported from Sibuyan, Romblon.
The PNP immediately called for the assistance of the DENR and personnel of CENRO Sara under the management of Joel Diaz issued an apprehension receipt and placed the hot lumber under the custody of the PNP Carles headed by P/Insp. Noel Lamsis.
Confiscation and administrative proceedings were immediately conducted. If the persons investigated could not produce the documents on the allotted time, they will be charged for violation of P.D. 705 as amended.
Most of the hot logs/lumber coming from other islands are being transported by sea and Carles seashores are one of the best entry ports. That is why, CENRO Joel Diaz had alerted the Coast Guard and the PNP to be vigilant on this hot cargoes. The Bantay Dagat is also alert on this matter because their concern is not only on illegal fishing but also illegal transport of other hot items like drugs and forest products.
This is in line with Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador's thrust to intensify campaign on forest protection and conservation. "Let us set a model of environmental governance", RED Amador said. "Soon if people will realize that we mean business, these environmental law violators will find it difficult to hide their illegal activities" he added.
(rac/CENRO SARA)