BAGAC, Bataan -- Policemen confiscated last Wednesday illegally cut logs in the forested areas of Sitio Kaybubo, Barangay Binuwangan, this town in line with the intensified campaign against illegal logging in the province.

Sr. Inspector George T. Santiago, chief of police here, reported that around 1,500 board feet of illegally sawn lumber and logs were found abandoned when his men conducted foot patrol along the mountainous area.

Santiago added that that six carabaos -- one male and five males -- were also recovered in the remote area, believed to be used by the unknown suspects in hauling off the illegally cut logs. No one, however, was arrested.

Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan police director, has not only waged an all-out campaign against illegal fishing but also illegal logging in the police’s bid to prevent the destruction of the province’s environment.

Recently, a luxury yacht owned by a Visayan solon sank between the maritime boundaries of Bagac and Mariveles, after it was hit by floating logs in the China Sea.  The logs were reportedly washed away when a strong typhoon hit Bagac.

Col. Gunnacao warned his men that they will face sanctions if they are found tolerating illegal logging and fishing in their areas of responsibility.
“When it comes to illegal logging, fishing and drugs, our position here is there is no compromise agreement no matter whose toes we step on,” said Gunnacao.