Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday praised the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for dismantling an alleged illegal chainsaw trading operation connected to unlawful logging activities in Oriental Mindoro. The crackdown marks a significant stride in the fight against deforestation in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna highlighted the operation conducted by NBI-Mimaropa against Kimala Trading Corporation in Poblacion, Zone II, Pinamalayan on June 9. The operation resulted in the arrest of Matt Jefferson Go and Miriam Go, along with the seizure of three unlicensed high-powered chainsaws. Cuna emphasized the importance of such actions, stating, 'Protecting our forests is not just an environmental duty-it is a climate and public safety imperative.'
The DENR noted that the raid is part of its intensified efforts to prevent forest destruction by restricting access to chainsaws sold without proper government authorization. The case originated from intelligence reports suggesting that chainsaws were being sold directly to walk-in buyers without the necessary permits, a practice often linked to illegal logging operations in forested regions.
NBI operatives executed a test-buy operation, successfully purchasing a PowerHouse Built Tough 58CC gasoline chainsaw that was allegedly sold without authorization. This led to the issuance and execution of search warrants against the Gos, operators of Kimala Trading. The search was conducted with the presence of barangay officials and documented in line with Supreme Court guidelines.
The suspects were taken to the NBI-Mimaropa Regional Office and underwent inquest proceedings before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office. 'Prosecutors found reasonable certainty of conviction for violation of Section 7(a) of Republic Act No. 9175 (Chainsaw Act of 2002),' the DENR stated. Both respondents posted PHP108,000.00 bail each, and if convicted, they face imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of the seized chainsaws to the government.
Republic Act 9175, also known as the Chainsaw Act of 2002, regulates the sale, ownership, importation, distribution, and use of chainsaws to prevent misuse in illegal logging. Cuna reinforced the DENR's commitment, stating, 'We will continue working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that illegal chainsaws do not enter our forests. The law is clear-and we will enforce it.'
