KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Three individuals, including a minor, were arrested after authorities intercepted an alleged shipment of illegally sourced timber during a checkpoint operation in Purok 1, Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, on January 29, 2026.
Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 4th Maneuvering Platoon, led by PCPT Erwin L. Rubrico, were conducting a random checkpoint at around 11:30 a.m. when they flagged down an Isuzu Forward closed van traveling from Sultan Naga Dimaporo toward Kapatagan.
Police said the driver attempted to evade the checkpoint, prompting authorities to immediately stop and inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, officers discovered various forest products believed to have been illegally cut. The driver failed to present the necessary permits and transport documents from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Initial investigation revealed that the timber allegedly originated from Madalum, Lanao del Sur, and was bound for Ozamiz City. The driver and his two companions, including a minor, were arrested for violating Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
Authorities seized a total of 2,781.33 board feet of mahogany lumber, with an estimated value of ₱104,466. The suspects and the confiscated timber were taken to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and further investigation.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their warning against illegal logging and transport of forest products, stressing that violators will face criminal charges under existing environmental laws.