Matalam, Cotabato – Authorities arrested a 37-year-old woman during an entrapment operation along the National Highway in Matalam, Cotabato on April 23, 2025, for the illegal online sale of chainsaws.
The operation, conducted at around 2:37 p.m., was a joint effort between the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU 12) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cotabato Enforcement Team. It was initiated following a proactive cyber patrol by RACU 12, where investigators flagged a suspicious post on the Matalam Online Market Facebook page advertising a “36-inch mini chainsaw STHIL” for Php 19,800.
Confiscated during the arrest were two 20-inch chainsaws, one 36-inch chainsaw, marked money, and a mobile phone.
The suspect is now facing charges for violating Section 7(a) of Republic Act No. 9175, or the Chain Saw Act, which prohibits the possession or sale of chainsaws without proper authorization from the DENR. The offense carries a penalty of imprisonment from four years, two months, and one day up to six years, along with a fine ranging from Php 15,000 to Php 30,000. She also faces additional charges under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, for offenses committed using online platforms.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel from CPCRT-RACU 12 led by PMAJ Mark Gerald A. Nobre, Matalam Municipal Police Station led by PLTCOL Mylaine M. Estrellan, DENR-PENRO Cotabato Monitoring and Enforcement Chief Joffrey Laraya, DENR-CENRO Sr. EMS Forester Lito S. Balbon, and the DENR Enforcement Section Team.
Authorities remind the public that selling, purchasing, or possessing chainsaws without proper permits is illegal and that cyber patrols continue to ensure compliance with environmental laws.