“Batas pangkapaligiran, patuloy na umiiral sa probinsiya ng Cavite.” The successful apprehension of 116.66 bdft. Yemane lumber and one unit of chainsaw without serial number is a significant achievement for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province of Cavite.

On November 5, 2023, DENR-PENRO Cavite-Surveillance, Intelligence and Investigation Unit (SIIU) received information regarding an on-going cutting of trees in Brgy. Pinagsanjan B, Maragondon, Cavite, hence, two Forest Protection Officers (FPOs) were immediately dispatched to conduct surveillance on the matter. Upon verification, Forester Rhex P. Calipdan, the In-Charge, SIIU, immediately coordinated with the PNP Maragondon and sought its assistance about the reported illegal activity.

The DENR-PENRO Cavite took legal action by filing a case against the perpetrator for violation of Section 77 of PD 705 as amended by RA 7161 regarding cutting, gathering, and/or collecting timber or other forest products without license and Section 7(4) of RA 9175 otherwise known as Chainsaw Act of 2002 for actual unlawful use of chainsaw. The case was filed at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cavite, Branch 20 on the same date of the surveillance activity.

After a series of court hearings which were attended by For. Calipdan and the legal researchers of PENRO Cavite, the violator was found “Guilty” without reasonable doubt for violation of Section 77 of PD 705 and was sentenced to suffer the penalty of six (6) months and one (1) day.

The abrupt action of PENRO Cavite reflects the diligence of DENR in pursuing legal action against violators of the law. This success story highlights the unwavering efforts of DENR in enforcing environmental laws as well as addressing illegal activities and promoting responsible stewardship of the natural resources in the province of Cavite. ###