SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur — The intensified campaign against environmental crimes in Surigao del Sur scored another major accomplishment after authorities intercepted a massive shipment of illegal coconut lumber and arrested three individuals during an interdiction operation in Barangay Baras, San Miguel on May 12.
Operatives of the San Miguel Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the supervision of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), confiscated approximately 6,000 board feet of illegally sawn coconut lumber with an estimated market value of ₱120,000.
The operation was carried out at around 4:45 p.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Baras, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen regarding the transport of undocumented lumber in the area.
Acting swiftly on the information, police personnel launched an interdiction operation that led to the interception of a light blue ISUZU wing van suspected of transporting illegal forest products.
During the inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered a large volume of coconut lumber allegedly lacking the necessary transport documents and permits required under environmental and forestry regulations.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified only by their aliases:
- “Loyloy,” 48, driver and resident of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur;
- “Mark,” 41, laborer and resident of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; and
- “Dodong,” 45, laborer and resident of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.
The suspects were immediately taken into police custody along with the confiscated lumber and the transport vehicle.
Police Colonel Jeffrey Lawrence D. Mauricio, Provincial Director of the Surigao del Sur PPO, commended the operating personnel for the successful operation and underscored the critical role of public cooperation in protecting the environment.
“I commend the personnel of San Miguel MPS for their dedication and prompt response to the information provided by our community. This successful seizure is a testament to what we can achieve when the police and the public work in sync to protect our natural resources,” Mauricio said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting authorities by reporting suspicious environmental activities in their communities.
“To the people of Surigao del Sur: your eyes and ears are our greatest assets. We encourage you to remain vigilant and continue reporting any suspicious activities in your areas,” the provincial director stressed.
Mauricio likewise issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal environmental activities, emphasizing that authorities will continue to strictly enforce environmental laws across the province.
“To those who persist in defying our environmental laws: let this serve as a stern warning. We will not hesitate to enforce the law and ensure that those who exploit our environment for personal gain are held accountable,” he added.
The arrested individuals are set to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10593, or the law regulating the cutting of coconut trees and the transport of coconut lumber without proper authorization.
Authorities said the confiscated lumber and the suspects remain under the custody of the San Miguel MPS pending the filing of formal charges.
The SDSPPO reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal logging and other environmental offenses as part of its broader mandate to preserve the province’s natural resources and maintain peace and order.