PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities confiscated more than 2,300 board feet of illegally cut timber during a series of anti-illegal logging operations conducted in this coastal town, reinforcing ongoing efforts to protect forest resources in the province.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kalamansig, together with partner agencies, seized approximately 2,369.67 board feet of illegally harvested forest products on Monday, March 9.
The enforcement operation was launched after authorities received a tip from an informant about ongoing illegal logging activities in Barangays Butril and Milbuk in Palimbang.
A joint team led by CENR Officer Jerric B. Labor conducted verification and monitoring operations in the area, which led to the discovery of abandoned stockpiles of chainsawn timber, locally known as flitches, believed to have been cut from naturally grown forest trees.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Palimbang and local barangay officials, demonstrating a collaborative approach in addressing environmental violations at the community level.
During the inspection, the team recovered 43 pieces of chainsawn flitches derived from several forest tree species commonly found in the region, including White Lauan (Shorea contorta), Binuang (Octomeles sumatrana), Loktob (Duabanga moluccana), and Red Gum-Bagras (Eucalyptus camaldulensis).
Authorities noted that these species are valuable both ecologically and commercially, making them frequent targets of illegal logging operations.
The seized forest products were immediately secured and transported to the MENRO Palimbang office and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Milbuk for safekeeping and temporary custody while authorities continue their investigation.
Officials said efforts are now underway to identify the individuals responsible for cutting and abandoning the timber, which may lead to the filing of appropriate charges for violations of the country’s forestry and environmental protection laws.
Illegal logging remains a major environmental concern in many parts of Mindanao, as it contributes to deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and increased vulnerability to flooding and landslides.
DENR officials emphasized that enforcement operations will continue in coordination with local governments and communities to curb illegal exploitation of forest resources and ensure the protection of the region’s remaining natural forests.
Authorities also encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious logging activities, stressing that community cooperation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s forests.