September 14, 2026 – An anti-illegal logging operation conducted by the Itogon Municipal Police Station (MPS) at around 2:30 PM in Muyot, Gumatdang, Itogon, resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old laborer and the seizure of a chainsaw and illegally sawn timber.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Itogon MPS after the suspect was allegedly caught sawing a pine log without the necessary permit, license, or supporting documents from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in violation of Presidential Decree No. 705 and Republic Act No. 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002.
The incident was immediately coordinated with the Itogon Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), represented by Jamie M. Lumbag, and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), represented by Jimson Haban.
Personnel from the MENRO and CENRO conducted the scaling and assessment of the seized Benguet sawn pine lumber, consisting of of 39 pieces of sawn pine lumber and three logs, with a total volume of 620.20 board feet and an estimated market value of P24,811.28.
Seized during the operation was one STHIL 22-inch chainsaw without a serial number.
The arrested suspect was brought to the Itogon MPS for proper disposition and the filing of the appropriate case. Meanwhile, the seized chainsaw, illegally sawn logs, and lumber were turned over to the CENRO for proper custody and disposition. Documents are also being prepared for the inquest proceedings. // Via Itogon MPS
