Government forces in Basilan recovered nearly ₱50,000 worth of abandoned illegally cut lumber during a late-night anti-illegal logging operation in Sumisip town, authorities said Tuesday.
The operation was conducted at around 11:40 p.m. on May 18, 2026, in Sitio Sampinit, Barangay Mahatallang, Sumisip, Basilan through the joint efforts of the Sumisip Municipal Police Station, the Philippine Army, environmental authorities, and local government officials.
Police identified the operation as part of the intensified campaign against illegal logging under the leadership of Cerrazid A. Umabong, Provincial Director of the Basilan Police Provincial Office.
Personnel of the Sumisip Municipal Police Station, led by Jakaria J. Muin, conducted the operation in coordination with the 1401st Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14B headed by Franklin Amistoso, the 32nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under Gerwin T. Maghuyop, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) Basilan, and the local government unit of Sumisip led by Vice Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman.
Authorities said the operation was launched after the LGU of Sumisip relayed information regarding the reported presence of illegally cut timber in the area.
Acting on the intelligence report, combined government troops proceeded to the identified location where they discovered 18 pieces of assorted White Lauan timber abandoned at the site. The confiscated lumber had an estimated total volume of 1,417 board feet and an approximate market value of ₱49,602.
Investigators believe the recovered lumber was the product of illegal logging activities in violation of Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
Authorities said the still-unidentified suspects fled and abandoned the illegally cut lumber after sensing the approaching government forces.
Following the operation, the confiscated timber was transported to the headquarters of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan for proper inventory, documentation, and further investigation by MENRE Basilan.
Police and environmental authorities said appropriate legal actions are now being prepared as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal logging operations that continue to threaten forest resources in Basilan and other parts of Mindanao.