NAGA CITY—Local authorities are investigating illegal logging activities uncovered within the protected area of Mt. Isarog Natural Park.
The incident was first brought to public attention through social media, prompting the city’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) to dispatch personnel to verify the claims.
During their patrol, the team encountered suspicious activity, including the sound of a chainsaw and a warning gunshot, which forced them to retreat for safety.
A joint operation involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Protected Area Management Office, City ENRO, Public Safety Office, and City Tourism Office was subsequently launched. The team discovered a major logging site near Panicuason Hot Spring, where more than 30 tree stumps and several logs were found.
Speaking in Bicol, Alex San Jose, officer-in-charge of the City ENRO’s Watershed Management Division, said the felled trees were primarily Malapingan, a valuable hardwood species planted about 10 years ago.
“Although hindi ko alam ang value in peso, pero isa yan sa matibay sa pag-hold ng soil to prevent soil erosion, landslide,” he added.
San Jose explained that the ENRO has only one forest ranger and six personnel regularly patrolling the 664-hectare protected area of Mt. Isarog Natural Park within Naga City.
He admitted that this was insufficient and urged the city government to approve their long-standing request for additional forest rangers.
“Matagal na naman yan na request. Mahirap po magpa-approve ng items o magdagdag ng personnel,” he said.
Authorities are now focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the illegal logging. The DENR, in collaboration with the PNP and local government units surrounding Mt. Isarog, will conduct a thorough investigation and pursue legal action against the violators under Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Forestry Law.
To prevent future incidents, San Jose said the city ENRO would increase the frequency of forest patrols, enhance personnel visibility, and strengthen partnerships with local organizations such as the Mt. Isarog Guardians.
He also assured the public that reforestation efforts would be intensified through the Forest-in-Our-Midst Project. I Jonathan Magistrado
Photos: Naga City ENRO