SUMISIP, Basilan — Ten round logs believed to have been illegally cut were confiscated by Philippine Army troops and police personnel during a joint operation in Barangay Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan, on September 23, 2026, following a report from a concerned citizen.
The operation was conducted by troops of the 32nd Infantry (Daredevil) Battalion, 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division, Philippine Army, in coordination with the Sumisip Municipal Police Station, as authorities stepped up efforts to curb illegal logging and protect the province’s remaining forest resources.
The operation was launched after authorities received information regarding the presence of illegally cut trees in the area. Acting on the report, personnel from the Sumisip Municipal Police Station led by PCPT Jakaria Muin, together with troops from Bravo Company, 32IB, led by 2LT Zosimo R. Conde III, immediately proceeded to the reported location to verify the information.
Upon reaching the area, the joint team discovered and secured 10 Lawaan round logs suspected to have been illegally cut.
The recovered timber consisted of two logs measuring eight feet in length and eight logs measuring 10 feet in length.
The confiscated logs were subsequently transported to the Headquarters of the 32nd Infantry Battalion for proper documentation, assessment, and disposition in coordination with the appropriate government authorities.
The recovery underscores the role of community reporting in enabling authorities to respond quickly to suspected environmental violations. The information provided by a concerned citizen allowed law enforcement personnel to verify the report and secure the suspected illegally harvested timber.
LTC Gerwin T. Maghuyop, commanding officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, emphasized that community participation remains essential in protecting Basilan’s natural resources.
“The timely information provided by a concerned citizen demonstrates the vital role of the community in protecting our environment,” Maghuyop said. He added that the 32IB, together with the Philippine National Police and other government partners, would continue supporting law enforcement efforts against illegal logging and other activities that threaten natural resources and community welfare.
The recovered logs will undergo the necessary documentation and coordination with concerned agencies to determine their proper disposition in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
The operation forms part of the 32IB’s continuing support to government efforts to prevent illegal logging, environmental degradation, and other activities that could threaten Basilan’s forests.
Authorities also underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among the military, police, local government units, environmental agencies, and communities in addressing environmental violations.
For the 32IB, community vigilance remains a critical component of protecting natural resources. Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal logging, unauthorized timber hauling, and other activities that may cause damage to the environment to the proper authorities.
The battalion said it would continue working with government agencies and communities in Basilan in promoting environmental protection, peace, security, and sustainable development across its area of responsibility.