ALABEL, Sarangani Province – A joint law enforcement operation led to the arrest of an unauthorized chainsaw seller on May 19, 2025, in Purok Libertad, Barangay Maribulan, Alabel town.
The entrapment operation was carried out by the Philippine National Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (PNP RACU 12), Alabel Municipal Police Station, Sarangani Police Provincial Office, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Glan Enforcement Team.
Authorities said the suspect was caught after cyber patrol officers from RACU 12 flagged a Facebook Marketplace post advertising a STIHL chainsaw for PHP 15,000. An undercover operative then posed as a buyer and arranged a meet-up with the seller. The transaction led to the suspect’s immediate arrest.
Seized during the operation were one unregistered STIHL chainsaw without a valid permit, several counterfeit peso bills, and one mobile phone. The confiscated chainsaw was validated and documented by DENR-CENRO Glan personnel and is now in the custody of the PNP Cybercrime Unit as evidence.
The 28-year-old suspect will be charged under Section 7(a) of Republic Act No. 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002, which prohibits the unauthorized possession and sale of chainsaws. The offense is punishable by imprisonment ranging from four years, two months, and one day to six years, and a fine of PHP 15,000 to PHP 30,000. Additional charges under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, will also be filed.
DENR-CENRO Glan emphasized its continued commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting forest resources in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity involving chainsaws, timber, or forest products through the appropriate authorities.