SUMISIP, Basilan — Authorities confiscated illegally cut lumber during a joint inspection operation against suspected illegal logging in Barangay Mahatalang on February 19, 2026, as part of continuing efforts to protect the province’s forest resources.
Troops from the Philippine Army’s 32nd Infantry “Daredevil” Battalion provided security assistance to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENREO) of Maluso while environmental personnel verified reports of unlawful tree cutting in the area.
The operation was led by Lt. Col. Gerwin T. Maghuyop, commanding officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, with Capt. Jose Miguel A. Abellanosa, acting operations officer, supervising coordination and ensuring the safety of the inspection team throughout the mission.
According to the military, troops departed from the battalion headquarters in Barangay Tumahubong early in the morning and moved toward the reported site of illegal logging in close coordination with MENREO personnel. The environmental enforcement team was headed by Rolando Calumpang, Chief of Biodiversity and Senior Ecosystem Management Specialist, along with Jordana Castillo, Development Management Officer II.
Upon arrival in Barangay Mahatalang at around 9:30 a.m., soldiers secured the routes and surrounding area to allow the inspection team to safely assess the site. The joint group then conducted an on-site verification of reported illegal cutting activities and evaluated the environmental impact on the area’s forest ecosystem.
Authorities said the inspection, which lasted until about 10:20 a.m., resulted in the discovery and confiscation of illegally cut lawa-an lumber. Lawa-an, a valuable hardwood species commonly found in Philippine forests, is protected under environmental regulations due to its ecological and economic importance.
The seized forest products were transported and secured at the battalion headquarters while proper documentation and legal procedures are being prepared in accordance with existing environmental laws and regulations.
Maghuyop emphasized that the military remains committed to supporting local government units and environmental agencies in safeguarding natural resources in Basilan. He said the battalion will continue to assist lawful enforcement operations aimed at curbing illegal logging and preserving the province’s remaining forest cover.
Officials noted that the joint operation highlights the importance of cooperation between security forces and civilian environmental agencies in addressing environmental violations. Authorities also underscored that sustained collaboration is essential not only in protecting forests but also in promoting community safety, ecological balance, and long-term peace and development across Basilan.