DENR 8 recovers 17,000 board-ft hot lumbers in Northern Samar

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February 2, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The elements of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 8, together with the men of the 64th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines based in Northern Samar, recovered on Saturday night about 17,000 board feet of hot lumber along the beaches of San Isidro and Balicuatro, Lavezares, Northern Samar.

DENR Director Alfredo Pascual, during the Harampang Ha PIA on Friday, informed that the hot lumbers which were already being tagged through small boats to a waiting ship looming in the horizon were in bunches, some 300, others five hundred.

When the unidentified people saw the operatives of DENR and the Army were already on the shorelines, they cut the tag lines and then escaped. The big boat also escaped while the hot lumbers are still under the custody of PENRO Ariel Macabare of Northern Samar.

Director Pascual who assumed as the Regional Executive Director of  DENR 8 only last December 15 said DENR is waiting for the claimants or owners of the hot lumber. Until now however, no one came out to claim ownership of the hot lumbers. After the reglamentary period expires, Director Pascual said that the lumber will be bidded.

He said that he will report this matter to the Central Office and the legal department will look into this matter.

He added that the general opinion, is that these hot lumbers are being brought to Masbate or in Bantayan, Cebu.

He said, that the main reason for timber pouching is poverty and this is the reason why the DENR has the community-based forest management program. Also, Director Pascual said, he is looking into strengthening the advocacy, information and education campaign on responsible forest management.

He added that these areas of San Isidro and Balicuatro has long been under surveillance even during the time of RED Sibbalucca. It is only now however, when an operation was made because of some information that shipment of hot lumbers will be done during the weekend.