BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized approximately ₱810,000 worth of illegally sourced lumber and arrested two individuals during an anti-illegal logging operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on October 7, 2026.
The operation was conducted in the B1 Area, Kilometer 38, following a joint effort by law enforcement and environmental authorities to curb illegal logging and the unauthorized movement of forest products in the province.
According to Police Regional Office 13 Regional Director PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon, the operation was led by the Regional Intelligence Division 13 in coordination with the 1302nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, the Lanuza Municipal Police Station, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Enforcement Unit.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two men identified by authorities as alias “Juvie,” 39, a resident of Purok 9, Barangay Caromata, San Miguel, and alias “Jerome,” 33, a resident of Purok Malinawon, Barangay Maitum, Tandag City.
18,000 Board Feet of Lumber Confiscated
Authorities said the operating team confiscated approximately 18,000 board feet of lumber consisting of Lauan, Yakal, and Tangili, three types of timber commonly found in Philippine forests.
A blue RUSI chariot, which authorities believe was used to transport the forest products, was also seized during the operation.
The estimated value of the confiscated lumber was placed at ₱810,000, underscoring the scale of the alleged illegal forest-product operation.
The seizure comes as authorities continue to intensify enforcement against illegal logging and other activities that threaten forest ecosystems and the country’s remaining timber resources.
“We will continue to strengthen our operations, together with our partner agencies, against illegal logging and other activities that threaten our forests and natural resources,” Suguilon said.
He added that authorities would ensure that individuals involved in the alleged illegal exploitation of forest resources would be held accountable under the law.
Lumber Turned Over to DENR
The confiscated lumber has been placed under the custody of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur for proper disposition and further environmental enforcement procedures.
Meanwhile, the two arrested individuals remain detained at the Lanuza Municipal Police Station pending the filing of charges.
Authorities said the suspects will face charges for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which provides the legal framework governing the protection, development, management, and utilization of the country’s forest resources.
The operation highlights the continuing coordination between police and environmental agencies in addressing illegal logging, particularly in remote and mountainous areas where unauthorized cutting, transport, and trade of timber can be difficult to detect.
The arrests and seizure also serve as a warning to individuals engaged in the illegal extraction and movement of forest products that law enforcement and environmental authorities are continuing to monitor forest areas and pursue those allegedly involved in violations of forestry laws.
Authorities, however, have yet to disclose further details regarding the alleged source of the lumber, whether the timber was covered by any transport or cutting permits, or the identities of any other individuals who may be involved in the operation.