BEN SERRANO
Online news contributor
SAN JOSE, DINAGAT PROVINCE: A composite team of DENR personnel, police and provincial officials led by Gov. Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman recently seized a truckload of illegally-cut logs along the national highway in Paragua, Tubajon.
Villaroman said she will stop once and for all any attempt of illegal logging in her province, even if it will mean that she will personally go after violators. She further warned of stiff penalties against those caught.
The governor was acting on a complaint of some resident who said that unscrupulous individuals illegally cut logs in their area.
The round logs seized by authorities totaled 71 pieces and in different sizes and wood species variety. These were loaded in a dump truck owned by Cabadbaran City-based LVRO Construction and driven by a certain Von Ronald Ocenar.
The logs were turned over to Police S/Supt. Leonardo Dela Cruz, PNP provincial director, for custody.
Villaroman added that she is presently developing the province’s aqua-marine and agricultural resources, especially sprucing up the giant prawns industry in the province and illegal logging has no place for them.
Dinagat Islands is just one-hour motorboat ride from this city.