ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two individuals were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by maritime police and other security units in Barangay Cabaluay, Zamboanga City, for alleged violations of forestry and environmental laws involving the illegal cutting and transport of mahogany trees.
The operation was carried out at around 12:30 p.m. on June 6, 2026, by personnel of the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC MARPSTA) under the leadership of Police Captain Leah May G. Alameda, in coordination with the Regional Maritime Unit 9–Reactionary Standby Operations Team (RMU9-RSOT) and the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (1st ZCMFC).
Authorities launched the operation after receiving information regarding the alleged illegal cutting and transportation of mahogany trees in the area.
During the operation, law enforcement officers apprehended two individuals who were reportedly involved in cutting and transporting mahogany logs without the necessary permits and supporting documents required under Philippine forestry regulations.
Seized during the operation were a chainsaw allegedly used in the illegal activity and a mini dump truck utilized in transporting the forest products. The confiscated equipment and vehicle are considered vital pieces of evidence in the case being prepared against the suspects.
Police said the arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights before being taken into custody. They were subsequently transported, along with the confiscated evidence, to the Headquarters of the Regional Maritime Unit 9 for proper documentation, inventory, and disposition.
Authorities are preparing the necessary charges for violations of Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002. The case will be forwarded to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Zamboanga City for appropriate action and further legal proceedings.
Under PD 705, the unauthorized cutting, gathering, and transport of forest products are prohibited and punishable by law, while RA 9175 regulates the ownership, possession, sale, importation, and use of chainsaws to prevent illegal logging activities and protect the country’s forest resources.
The Maritime Group reiterated its commitment to supporting environmental protection efforts and enforcing laws aimed at preserving the country’s natural resources. Authorities also urged the public to comply with environmental regulations and report illegal logging and other activities that threaten forest ecosystems.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement and environmental agencies to combat illegal logging, which continues to pose a serious threat to biodiversity, watershed areas, and sustainable forest management across the country.