The total log ban in the third district of Negros Occidental may succeed if the enforcement aspect is further strengthened, Task Force Ilahas team leader SPO1 Stanley Mendoza said.

Mendoza said illegal cutting of trees and charcoal making is rampant in the uplands of Sicaba Monte in Cadiz City and neighboring areas, which finished products are being transported through Brgy. Gawahon in Victorias City .

TFI investigations also showed that charcoal being illegally-produced in Sitio Ronel, Brgy. San Isidro , E.B. Magalona, was also reported to have been dumped in Brgy. Gawahon.

The hinterlands of Victorias, E.B. Magalona, Silay, Talisay and Murcia form part of the North Negros Natural Park, where a logging ban will be strictly imposed, as stipulated in Republic Act 9741, recently signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Mendoza stressed the need to set up a checkpoint in Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City , to monitor and confiscate forest products illegally taken from NNNP.

He said TFI operatives cannot cover and operate in all areas of Negros Occidental, at the same time.

TFI is assisting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the enforcement of forestry laws in Negros Occidental, also with help from the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.

Two years ago, Police Environment Desk Offices had been activated in all Negros Occidental police units, to assist DENR and TFI in the anti-illegal logging campaign. However, it was not given much attention after Senior Supt. Charles Calima was replaced as provincial police director.

Mendoza said he has recommended to Senior Supt. Manuel Felix the re-activation of PEDO in all police stations.

RA 9741, which imposes a total log ban in the third district of Negros Occidental, was authored by Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson.*GPB

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