CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities seized over ₱463,000 worth of illegally cut hardwood during an anti-illegal logging operation in Sitio Carmen, Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon on July 25, 2025, the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) reported.
Personnel from the Quezon Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), launched the operation after receiving reports of unlawful logging activities in the area.
Upon reaching the location, law enforcers encountered two individuals, including a female suspect identified only by the alias “Mery.” The two, including another person operating a chainsaw, fled into a nearby sugarcane plantation, evading arrest.
Recovered from the site were several flitches and round logs of Lawaan hardwood, estimated to measure 3,863 board feet. The confiscated lumber has a total market value of ₱463,560. These forest products have been turned over to the DENR Office in Quezon, Bukidnon for proper documentation and disposition.
While the suspects remain at large, authorities said charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, will be filed. Police also assured that warrants of arrest will be pursued to bring the violators to justice.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of PRO10, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to environmental protection and law enforcement.
“The seizure of these illegal forest products is part of our continuing efforts to combat environmental crimes and uphold the law under PD No. 705. We will not tolerate illegal logging, and we will relentlessly pursue those who exploit our natural resources,” said PBGEN Suguilon.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents of illegal logging or environmental violations to the nearest police station.