MAIGO, Lanao del Norte — A swift response by authorities led to the arrest of one individual and the confiscation of illegally cut forest products during an anti-illegal logging operation in Barangay Poblacion, Maigo, Lanao del Norte, on October 6, 2025.
At around 3:30 p.m., the Maigo Municipal Police Station (MPS) received a phone call reporting an ongoing illegal logging activity at Purok 5, Poblacion. Acting promptly, the police coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–CENRO) in Iligan City and dispatched a joint team to verify the report.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered several processed and cut Molave lumber pieces. The alleged owner, a 59-year-old male from Lugait, Misamis Oriental, was at the site but failed to present valid documentation authorizing the possession or transport of the forest products. He was immediately placed under arrest.
According to DENR–CENRO personnel, around 400 pieces of Molave lumber with an estimated market value of ₱250,000 were confiscated. The seized forest products have been turned over to the DENR–CENRO office in Iligan City for inventory and proper documentation.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Maigo MPS pending the filing of appropriate charges.
PCOL Leo de Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, lauded the quick coordination between Maigo police and DENR–CENRO, highlighting the PNP’s strong commitment to environmental protection and enforcement of forestry laws.
“Our police personnel remain steadfast in supporting government efforts to combat illegal logging and preserve our natural resources for future generations,” Sua said.
The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal forest activities to the nearest police station or through official PNP hotlines.