DAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI has intensified its campaign against the illegal trade of forest products, with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)–Davao City emerging as the regional leader in tracking, monitoring, and apprehending undocumented forest products being sold through online platforms, particularly Facebook Marketplace.
In its latest enforcement operation, authorities confiscated 240 pieces of undocumented forest products equivalent to 2,198.66 board feet during an operation conducted in Lower Tamugan, Barangay Tamugan, Davao City. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group – Davao City.
The seized lumber has a total appraised value of ₱82,133.89 and consisted of various timber species, including 72 pieces of Falcata, 38 pieces of Mahogany, 82 pieces of Narra, and 48 pieces of miscellaneous lumber and flitches.
According to DENR XI, the confiscated forest products were not accompanied by the required transport and ownership documents, preventing authorities from establishing their legal origin and lawful possession.
Online Monitoring Leads to Apprehension
DENR XI credited the successful operation to the continuous surveillance and monitoring efforts of CENRO–Davao City, particularly its monitoring of online marketplaces where forest products are illegally advertised and sold.
Investigators discovered that the establishment involved had previously been issued a Certificate of Registration/Permit as a Lumber Dealer, but the permit expired in 2024. Despite repeated notices and reminders from the DENR to renew its registration, the owner allegedly failed to comply with the legal requirements.
Authorities further found that the operator had relocated the display area of the lumber products while continuing to market and sell the timber through Facebook Marketplace, despite no longer having the legal authority to operate as a registered lumber dealer.
The discovery highlights the growing use of social media platforms by individuals engaged in the unauthorized sale of forest products, prompting DENR to strengthen its digital monitoring and enforcement capabilities.
Bandsaw Machine Also Confiscated
Aside from the undocumented lumber, authorities also seized a bandsaw unit with its attached components, believed to have been used in processing the illegally possessed forest products.
The equipment carries an estimated appraised value of ₱50,000.00 and has likewise been placed under government custody pending the outcome of administrative and criminal proceedings.
Administrative and Criminal Cases to Follow
DENR XI said CENRO–Davao City will immediately initiate administrative proceedings in accordance with DENR Administrative Order No. 97-32 and other applicable forestry laws and regulations.
The agency also recommended that the case records be endorsed, in coordination with the PNP Maritime Group – Davao City, for the preparation and filing of appropriate criminal complaints against those responsible.
Possible violations include provisions under:
- Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines;
- Republic Act No. 460;
- DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-05; and
- Other applicable forestry laws, rules, and regulations.
DENR Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Forest Product Trade
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s remaining forest resources by intensifying enforcement operations against the illegal harvesting, transport, processing, and online sale of undocumented timber.
DENR emphasized that the growing use of digital platforms for illegal forest product transactions presents new challenges to law enforcement, but assured the public that monitoring efforts will continue to adapt to prevent the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
The agency also encouraged the public to support forest conservation initiatives by reporting suspicious activities involving the illegal sale, transport, or processing of forest products, emphasizing that protecting the nation’s forests is a shared responsibility essential to ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.