Police and DENR personnel inventory seized hot lumber. Photo by Johnny R. ReblandoBy Johnny R. Reblando
CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — Nine persons were arrested by joint personnel of the town police and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in Sitio Mamaw, Barangay San Pablo here on Thursday after failing to show any document for the lumber they were transporting.
Castillejos police chief Major Richard Fortaleza identified those arrested as Marc Anthony Gonzales y Floresta, 39, and Robert Palac y Maestrado, 32, both of Barangay La Paz, San Marcelino; Warner Jimenez y Asada, 33, of Purok 1, Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos; Eddie Farre y Ricafrente, 43, of Barangay Nagbunga; Henry Rivas y Ganaden, 19, Armando Manzano y Gaspar, 46, Aurelio Maigue y Abarsosa, 47, Marman Amante Oamil y Leones, 19, all of Barangay Del Pilar, all in Castillejos; and Godofredo De Guzman y Castro, 24, of Barangay Mangahan, Subic.
Police said that about 1:55 p.m. of Thursday, Manny Villa, forest technician of the DENR-CENRO Olongapo City reported receiving confidential information that a group of men was transporting undocumented pieces of lumber from Sitio Mawaw on board a white/green Isuzu truck bearing plate no. WEL 897.
Personnel of Castillejos police headed by Lt. Wiliam Bimoy and Villa proceeded to Sitio Mawaw and saw the truck loaded with several pieces of lumber.
Upon verification, the suspects failed to present any document for transporting the lumber and were immediately placed under arrest for violation of PD 705 (Illegal Logging).
Police confiscated 84 pieces of “Kupang” lumber measuring 2’x3’x12’ and two pieces of “Kupang” lumber measuring 2’x3’x10’ totaling to 514 board feet with an approximate value of P25,700; and the Isuzu truck registered to one Alvin B Tuazon.
The suspects face charges for violation of PD 705 as amended by EO 277, amended by RA 7161 before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Olongapo City.
