CAMP GALLEGO, Tubod, Lanao del Norte — Police and environmental authorities confiscated a total of more than 4,648 board feet of illegally displayed forest products in Baloi and several abandoned Falcata logs in Matungao, Lanao del Norte, in two separate operations conducted on October 6 and 7, 2025.
At around 9:30 a.m. on October 7, personnel from the Baloi Municipal Police Station (BMPS), acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, discovered assorted finished forest products (Falcata) illegally displayed in Sitio Dumaguing, East Poblacion, Baloi. The operation was carried out in coordination with the 11th Special Action Company (PNP-SAF) and the DENR-CENRO Iligan City Enforcement Section and Monitoring Unit.
Upon verification, the authorities confiscated a total of 4,647.993 board feet of assorted cut Falcata, valued at ₱116,198.30, allegedly owned by three individuals identified only by their aliases “Olambae,” “Monaira,” and “Acmad,” all of whom remain at large. The confiscated items are now under the temporary custody of BMPS and will be turned over to DENR-CENRO Iligan City for proper documentation and disposition in accordance with existing forestry laws and regulations.
A day earlier, at around 3:32 p.m. on October 6, personnel of the Matungao Municipal Police Station (MPS), while conducting a mobile patrol in Sitio Pendulonan, Barangay Cadayunan, Matungao, discovered several abandoned Falcata logs beside the road. Upon coordination with CENRO Iligan City, authorities confirmed that no one claimed ownership of the logs and that there were no valid cutting permits or private tree plantation records for the area.
The recovered logs had a total estimated volume of 0.469 cubic meters with a market value of ₱4,971.40. The items were properly documented and turned over to CENRO Iligan City for appropriate disposition.
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), commended the personnel of both police stations for their swift action and dedication.
“These successful operations are a testament to our continuing commitment to protect our forests and uphold the law,” PCOL Sua said.
He added that the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office remains steadfast in its campaign against illegal logging and all forms of environmental violations. Authorities continue to urge the public to support law enforcement by reporting any illegal activities that threaten the province’s natural resources.