MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN — Three men were caught red-handed cutting acacia trees in Barangay Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin, on October 15, 2025, following a joint operation by personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mambajao Municipal Police Station.
At around 11:10 a.m., DENR-PENRO Camiguin personnel led by Forester II and Chief Surveillance and Detection Unit Mr. Domingo G. Naybe Jr., along with Forester Johnry A. Cubar, requested police assistance after receiving reports of ongoing illegal logging activities in Sitio Ire, Barangay Balbagon.
Responding to the call, PCpl Xy-za Onahon and Pat Jeremy Quiraban, under the supervision of PCPT Jesson M. Gabotero, Officer-in-Charge of Mambajao Police Station, immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report.
Upon arrival, authorities caught three suspects in the act of cutting acacia round logs into flitches and lumber. The suspects were identified as:
- Suspect 1: A 51-year-old businessman and chainsaw owner from Barangay Puntod, Mahinog, Camiguin;
- Suspect 2: A 40-year-old laborer and driver from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin; and
- Suspect 3: A 59-year-old farmer and chainsaw operator from Barangay Puntod, Mahinog, Camiguin.
Confiscated from the site were three pieces of acacia round logs (0.243 cubic meters, estimated value ₱4,224.23), two acacia flitches (total 52 board feet, ₱2,132.00), and one acacia lumber (₱246.00). Authorities also seized a STIHL chainsaw worth ₱60,000 and a Mitsubishi Canter truck (plate number RKE 538) valued at ₱200,000.
The total estimated value of the confiscated items reached ₱266,602.23.
The illegally cut lumber was brought to the DENR Camiguin office for proper disposition, while the three suspects were taken to the Mambajao Municipal Police Station for appropriate legal action.
Authorities reminded the public that unauthorized cutting, gathering, or transport of forest products constitutes a violation of Presidential Decree 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.