Philippines Steps Up Campaign Against Illegal Logging
Copyright 2001 Asia Pulse
December 4, 2001
MANILA, Dec 4 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stepped up its campaign against illegal logging.
In a study conducted by the DENR's Special Actions and Investigation Division (SAID), confiscated forest products from illegal logging this year was higher as compared three years ago.
From January to September 2001, a total of 12,241.21 cubic meters of forest products worth P32.94 million were confiscated by DENR operatives all over the country. DENR Secretary Heherson Alvarez said he is optimistic that by the year ends, the department will be able to surpass the record confiscation of 13,277 cubic meters in 1997.
SAID attributed the increase to the creation of regional task forces in hot spot regions to investigate and report illegal logging activities.
The DENR also credited it to its intensified campaign and vigilance of support groups composed of non-government organizations (NGO's) and people organizations (PO's) and other concerned government agencies.
The study further stated that for this year, some 162 illegal logging hot spots were identified, 113 of which about 70 per cent were neutralized.
Alvarez also suspended the issuance of self-monitoring forms for log transport in Regions 11 and 13 after some log shipments from the two regions were found to be illegally sourced.
Meanwhile, some 557 incidents of illegal logging were monitored, 103 vehicles/vessels used in illegal logging were impounded and 33 paraphernalia such as chainsaws and saw blades were confiscated.
During the same period, some 33 criminal cases were filed in court for violation of forestry laws while 14 DENR personnel were suspended for failing to implement department rules and regulations and possible connivance with illegal loggers.
DENR-CARAGA reported the highest confiscation of illegal logs with 10,196.04 cubic meters valued at P18.3 million, followed by Region 10 with 302.44 cubic meters valued at P1.3 million, and Region 11 with 303.77 cubic meters worth P1.1 million.
"As part of its commitment to the environment and the Filipino people, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration will continue a relentless effort against illegal logging despite the apparent lack of funding. We will strengthen the implementation of our laws on the environment," Alvarez said.
Congress has allocated a measly P2.00 forest protection budget per hectare of forest land for this year.