MP gov pushes probe on hot logs ‘lost’ in Isabela police station

By Angel Baybay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Gov. Maximo Dalog is set to start an investigation on the disappearance of two trucks loaded with illegally cut narra lumber which disappeared in a police station in Roxas, Isabela while en route their way to Bontoc.

Mountain Province police officers belonging to Task Force Paracelis had laid the blame on elements of the Isabela Provincial Police Mobile Group.

Dalog wrote Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca on the matter requesting her support so that those responsible will answer for the consequences of their act. “Knowing your opposition to illegal logging, the identities of those involved will be known which I believe will have an impact on the rampant destruction of our forests,” said his letter.

Paracelis Task Force chief PSI Pablo Undalos reported that three trucks and its drivers were apprehended last October along the Paracelis-Roxas road after an informant texted them of three vehicles loaded with narra and were on its way towards Roxas, Isabela.

The three trucks, reportedly owned by Paracelis Vice Mayor Jun Agagon, Julio Nasilib and Glenn Rimas, were intercepted within the vicinity of Anonat, Paracelis and were ordered to proceed to a safe house in Roxas for proper documentation and disposition.

Upon reaching Roxas however, law enforcers from the Isabela PPMG led by a certain SPO3 Silvino Pailas allegedly blocked their path and ordered that the third truck be brought to the police station despite the efforts made by Undalos to explain the legitimacy of the operation.

After an exchange of heated words, they gave way and went direct to their safehouse to change their clothes only to find that only one truck was there.

They immediately scoured the area to no avail. The driver of the second vehicle took advantage of the long negotiation between the police officers and sped to safety.

With some of their companions guarding the only impounded vehicle, Undalos and his team went to the police office as earlier agreed but was taken aback by the report of the policeman on duty that no vehicle was ever surrendered to the station. The more they were surprised when they went to the PPMG office and found out that no vehicle was taken into their custody.

Without any recourse, they asked the help of the PPMG group director, a certain Supt. Balderas but all efforts to locate the two missing trucks proved futile.

It was later found out that the PPMG elements left the truck and its occupants when Undalos and his men went to their safehouse.

Meanwhile, the only vehicle impounded by Task Force Paracelis was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Roxas for inventory and later endorsed to the Roxas police office for safekeeping. Investigation reports are being collated for possible court action.