Isabela has most number of confiscated illegal logs

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – At least 130,000 board feet of illegally-sawn lumber have been confiscated in the region despite the nationwide ban on illegal logging, with the biggest number seized in the province of Isabela.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the region said these illegal logs were seized or intercepted in series of operations conducted with other law enforcement agencies throughout Cagayan Valley from January to June this year.

DENR records showed that Isabela registered the highest volume of illegal logs seized with 64,214.8 bd. ft.; followed by Quirino, 32,236.72 bd. ft.; Nueva Vizcaya, 19,961.92 bd. ft.; and Cagayan, 14, 568.64 bd. ft.

These provinces, which straddle the vast Sierra Madre Mountain range, where cutting of trees is still reportedly taking place despite the existing logging ban.