CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan -- A top police official reported yesterday the arrest of eight persons for violation of forestry laws after they were caught in the act of transporting illegally cut logs and charcoals.

Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan police director, reported that while his men were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Culis, Hermosa town they flagged down a vehicle, a Hummer-type without plates loaded with logs and charcoals.

The vehicle’s occupants identified as Ruben Sucdang of Mabuko, Hemrosa; Bernardo Capati and Jay Gaviola, both of Culis also in Hermosa were immediately arrested for their failure to produce documents legalizing the transport of the logs.

Gunnacao said the confiscated logs and charcoal will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office for documentation.

In a separate operation, Gunnacao said his policemen arrested five persons and impounded their mini-bus after being caught transporting 120 sacks of charcoal in Alauli, Pilar town.

He identified the suspects as Virgilio Tolentino, Gonzala Rama,Teresita Baciles, Freddi Baciles and Jerry Baciles, all of barangay Banaoang, Bagac town.

He said that while his men led by Inspector Edgardo Bernardo were manning the platoon base checkpoint in Alauli, they noticed a mini-bus (CDZ-945) fully loaded with sacks. Upon inspection, the police saw that the sacks were full of charcoal.

Since the occupants failed to present papers on their products, Gunnacao said the police confiscated the charcoals and impounded their vehicle.

Right after assuming the directorship as police director of Bataan PNP, Gunnacao has been directed by Gov. Tet Garcia to press his drive against illegal logging and fishing to protect and remaining virgin forests of Bataan.