Valenzuela City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has pledged to intensify efforts against environmental crimes following the confiscation of PHP3.6 million worth of illegally imported counterfeit chainsaws. The operation took place in Valenzuela City, targeting a warehouse operated by Eseki Industrial Enterprises Corporation in Barangay Mapulang Lupa.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR reported that 241 chainsaw units were seized during a buy-bust operation. Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the department’s commitment to collaborating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of a larger strategy against environmental offenses.
The confiscated items included 154 large chainsaws, each valued at PHP16,000, and 87 medium chainsaws, each priced at PHP13,000. The DENR initiated surveillance and investigations in February after receiving a complaint through the DENR Forest Management Bureau.
The operation was executed by the DENR’s Environment Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS), in collaboration with the DENR-National Capital Region Enforcement Division and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Camanava. Eseki Industrial Enterprises Corporation is facing potential charges under Republic Act 9175, known as the Chainsaw Act of 2002, which outlaws the unauthorized sale, distribution, and possession of chainsaws.
The DENR identified Marvin San Andres Siapno as the registered owner of the company, with Yutu Yang serving as its manager.
