By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has praised the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for dismantling an alleged illegal chainsaw distribution operation in Oriental Mindoro, describing the crackdown as a significant victory in the government’s campaign to protect forests and combat environmental crimes.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the operation underscores the importance of strict enforcement of environmental laws, particularly amid growing concerns over deforestation and climate-related disasters.
“Protecting our forests is not only an environmental obligation but also a crucial step toward safeguarding communities from floods, landslides, and other climate-induced hazards,” Cuna said.
The June 9 operation stemmed from intelligence reports linking unauthorized chainsaw sales to illegal logging activities in parts of Oriental Mindoro.
Acting on a court-issued search warrant, NBI-MIMAROPA agents raided Kimala Trading Corp. located along A. Mabini Boulevard in Pinamalayan town.
Authorities confiscated three high-powered chainsaws and arrested two individuals identified as Matt Jefferson Go and Miriam Go, who were allegedly operating the establishment.
Investigators revealed that agents first conducted a test-buy operation, successfully purchasing a commercially sold gasoline-powered chainsaw without the permits required under existing environmental regulations.
Cuna emphasized that the operation reinforces the implementation of Republic Act No. 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002, which regulates the importation, sale, distribution, possession, and use of chainsaws to prevent their use in illegal logging activities.
“The law is clear, and we will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that chainsaws are not used to destroy our forests,” the DENR chief said.
The operation also forms part of the DENR’s broader anti-illegal logging campaign in the MIMAROPA region, where environmental officials have intensified coordination with law enforcement agencies to curb forest degradation.
A verification issued by the DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office confirmed that Kimala Trading Corp. had no authority or permit to sell, distribute, trade, or possess chainsaws.
Authorities noted that only one licensed chainsaw dealer is currently authorized to operate in the southern portion of Oriental Mindoro.
The search and seizure operation was conducted in the presence of barangay officials and documented in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
Following the operation, the respondents were brought to the NBI-MIMAROPA Regional Office and subsequently recommended for inquest proceedings before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors later determined that sufficient evidence existed to pursue charges for violations of the Chainsaw Act.
Both respondents were allowed temporary liberty after posting bail amounting to ₱108,000 each.
If found guilty, they could face imprisonment, monetary penalties, and the forfeiture of all confiscated chainsaws in favor of the government.
The DENR stressed that curbing the illegal trade of chainsaws is a critical component of forest conservation efforts, noting that unchecked logging contributes significantly to environmental degradation and heightens the risks posed by extreme weather events.
Officials vowed to sustain enforcement operations and strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure the protection of the country’s remaining forest resources.
ia/xf
