The Municipal Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (MAILTF) held its First Quarter Meeting on March 24, 2025 at the Sanggunian Bayan Session Hall, Poblacion, Itogon,
Itogon MAILTF is led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, co-chaired by the CENRO Officer of CENRO Baguio. Members include the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), DENR heads, different municipal departments, Barangay Environment Committees, and Barangay Public Safety Action Teams (BPATS).
The Task Force makes policies on forest management in the municipality, focusing on protecting and managing timber. It reports illegal logging, coordinates operations, and recommends measures to stop and control logging activities.
The Task Force works across the municipality, monitoring forestlands, watersheds, and timber areas.
According to Forester I Jason B. Banisoc of MENRO-Itogon, when someone is caught doing illegal logging, the LGU member reports it to the Task Force. The PNP provides police support to keep operations safe. The Task Force also works with the DENR to decide if legal charges should be filed and gives advice on what to do with confiscated timber and equipment.
To fulfill its duties, the Task Force holds quarterly monitoring meetings and prepares management and operation plans. These cover meetings, patrols, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Funding should be given regularly to support these activities. The DENR and LGU prepare plans together, including scheduled quarterly or surprise monitoring. Plans include operations, activities, finances, and logistics.
All Task Force units must submit reports on their activities, including operations, arrests, and legal cases filed. Barangays and the PNP also submit reports for consolidation to ensure proper monitoring and accountability. The organizational flow starts with the Chairman, followed by the Co-Chairman, MENRO, and then the department units such as Forest Protection of the DENR, PNP, Barangay Environment Committees, and other concerned offices. Through this structure, the Task Force ensures coordinated and effective management of anti-illegal logging activities in the municipality.
[Content, layout, and photos by by PIO interns: Charmaine Capsula, Nicolle Joy Delmas, Rhyza Joie Tomas; BSU BA COMM]
