SISON, Surigao del Norte — Police authorities confiscated a large volume of contraband narra lumber during a successful anti-illegal logging operation conducted in Purok 6, Barangay Mabuhay, Sison, on a recent afternoon, underscoring the continuing threat of forest plunder in the province.
The operation was carried out at around 5:10 p.m. by personnel of the Sison Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PCPT Eugene O. Medios, Acting Chief of Police, with the support of the 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (SDNPMFC) under PLTCOL Deomedes B. Cuadra Jr., Force Commander. The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Tubod.
Authorities recovered abandoned, freshly cut narra lumber of various sizes, with a total volume of 705.6 board feet and an estimated value of ₱42,336.00. Narra is a premium hardwood species strictly protected under Philippine environmental laws, making its unauthorized cutting, possession, and transport a serious criminal offense.
Among the seized items were dozens of lumber pieces of varying dimensions, indicating large-scale illegal cutting rather than isolated activity. Police said the lumber was discovered abandoned at the site, suggesting that those behind the operation fled before authorities arrived. No arrests were made, and the suspect or suspects remain at large.
The confiscated narra lumber has been turned over to the custody of DENR Tubod for proper documentation, safekeeping, and legal disposition. Meanwhile, a follow-up investigation is ongoing to identify the individuals responsible and determine the origin and intended destination of the illegally harvested wood.
Police and environmental authorities reiterated their commitment to intensify operations against illegal logging, warning that those found violating forestry and environmental laws will face stiff penalties. They also called on the public to report suspicious activities involving the cutting and transport of forest products to help protect the province’s remaining natural resources.