DAVAO CITY — A joint operation by the Coast Guard and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) resulted in the confiscation of 285 pieces of unregistered and undocumented Palo China lumber in Sitio Pax, Barangay Panacan, Davao City, on August 11, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao, with personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) KM11, CGSS Ilang, the Coast Guard Intelligence Group Southeastern Mindanao (CGIG-SEM), and the Maritime Safety and Law Enforcement Group Southeastern Mindanao (MARSLEG-SEM), in coordination with DENR personnel.
According to the Coast Guard, the joint team proceeded to the area at approximately 2:00 p.m. to verify a report concerning the presence of forest products that were allegedly not properly registered or documented.
Upon reaching the reported location, the team conducted an on-site inspection and discovered 285 pieces of Palo China lumber, each measuring approximately 3 x 3 x 2.5 as indicated in the operation report.
DENR personnel subsequently conducted the necessary verification of the forest products and determined that the lumber was not supported by the required documents and/or permits.
Following the verification, authorities confiscated the lumber and turned it over to the appropriate authority for proper documentation, disposition, and possible legal action in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the possession, transportation, and disposition of forest products.
The operation underscores the continuing coordination between maritime law enforcement and environmental authorities in addressing violations involving forest resources. The Coast Guard said the activity forms part of its efforts to support the enforcement of environmental laws and prevent the unlawful movement or possession of forest products.
The CGDSEM, through CGS Davao, also emphasized the importance of sustained coordination with DENR and other government agencies in protecting the country’s forest resources and ensuring compliance with regulations governing forest products.
Authorities are expected to undertake the appropriate procedures concerning the confiscated lumber, including documentation and disposition, consistent with applicable environmental and forestry laws and regulations.
The incident also highlights the role of joint enforcement operations in detecting and addressing suspected violations involving natural resources, particularly where proper permits and documentation are required for the possession, transport, and disposition of forest products.