A government-owned dump truck, loaded with 31 pieces of Gmelina lumber, measuring 2x8x12, was intercepted by soldiers of the 12th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, in Barangay Balugo, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, at around 8 p.m. Saturday.

The truck, with red plate number SHW-714 and owned by the Guihulngan City government, was flagged down by the team, led by T/Sgt. Rene Boy Maribao, detachment commander in Balugo, Guihulngan, and was found to be carrying the lumber without the permit to transport.

The driver of the truck was identified as Ruben Quijano, 45, of Sitio Pantalan, Guihulngan. He was accompanied by his son, Rommel, 28.

The driver was turned over to the Guihulngan police station, and the truck and its cargo placed under the temporary custody of the Philippine Army.

Chief Insp. Frank Villanueva, city chief of police, yesterday said the driver was released from detention as there was no case filed against him.

Maribao, meanwhile, was asked to turn over the truck and lumber to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for disposition, Villanueva added.*JFP

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