GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental — Authorities intensified their crackdown against environmental crimes after operatives confiscated more than ₱1 million worth of illegally transported Narra lumber and arrested a truck driver during a late-night law enforcement operation in Barangay Agay-ayan, Gingoog City.
The operation, conducted from around 11:00 p.m. on May 16 until 12:30 a.m. on May 17, 2026, was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Gingoog City, territorial police units, and other law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said the operation formed part of the intensified implementation of OPLAN KALIKASAN, the Philippine National Police’s nationwide campaign against the unlawful destruction of the environment and natural resources.
Arrested during the operation was a suspect identified only by the alias “Rod,” 53 years old, a truck driver and resident of Barangay Gakat, Libagon, Southern Leyte.
Investigators said the suspect was apprehended while transporting Narra lumber without the necessary permits and transport documents required by the DENR.
Confiscated from the operation were 208 pieces of Narra lumber and flitches with a total estimated volume of 7,122 board feet, along with an Isuzu wing van believed to have been used in transporting the illegal forest products.
The total estimated value of the seized lumber and vehicle was placed at approximately ₱1,068,300.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for violating Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which prohibits the unauthorized cutting, possession, transport, and trade of forest products.
Police officials stressed that Narra, one of the country’s most valuable hardwood species, remains under strict government regulation because of its protected status and the need to prevent illegal logging activities that contribute to forest degradation and environmental destruction.
Under the government’s environmental protection campaign, authorities emphasized that the State remains committed to the sustainable management, conservation, and protection of forest lands and natural resources, while ensuring the responsible utilization of the country’s environmental assets.
The PNP also underscored the importance of enforcing environmental laws to safeguard communities affected by illegal logging and other ecological offenses.
The CIDG commended the operating teams from CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit, CENRO-Gingoog, and other participating law enforcement units for the successful operation.
Officials said the latest confiscation demonstrates the government’s continuing commitment to combat illegal logging and other environmental crimes across the country.
The PNP likewise urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report environmental law violations in their respective communities, including illegal logging, illegal mining, illegal quarrying, illegal fishing, and other activities that threaten the country’s natural resources and ecological balance.