GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities apprehended an individual for the unauthorized sale of a chainsaw in a joint entrapment operation conducted around 10:20 AM on May 28, 2025, in Barangay North, General Santos City.
The operation was spearheaded by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 12 in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO), General Santos City.
The suspect was caught red-handed selling a chainsaw without the necessary permits, in violation of Republic Act No. 9175 or the Chainsaw Act of 2002. The law strictly regulates the ownership, possession, sale, and importation of chainsaws to curb illegal logging activities and promote forest protection.
The confiscated equipment is currently under the custody of the concerned authorities pending further investigation and legal action.
In a statement, DENR-CENRO GenSan reminded the public that selling or possessing chainsaws without proper authorization is a punishable offense under Philippine law.
Officials emphasized that the successful operation reflects the government’s firm commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and safeguarding the region’s dwindling forest resources.