Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bago have been conducting checkpoints across various locations within their jurisdiction to bolster environmental law enforcement.
The initiative began on January 26, 2024, under the guidance of CENR Officer, Forester Rosievel Dimatulac, and includes both scheduled and random checks.
Drivers transporting forest products must present proper documentation. Failure to do so results in apprehension and the possibility of administrative proceedings in accordance with DENR-Department Administrative Order No. 97-32.
Seized vehicles and forest products are stored by the office pending case resolution and subsequent forwarding to the Regional Office through PENRO Negros Occidental for appropriate action.
On the evening of February 20, 2024, the team apprehended a truck in Murcia carrying Mahogany and Gmelina lumber without the necessary permits. The confiscation included 169 pieces, totaling approximately 3,000 board feet with an estimated value of Php100,000.00, and was conducted in collaboration with the Murcia Police District.
The Regulation and Permitting Section has also been actively conducting lectures and information drives in local barangays, educating the community on the permitting processes for forest products.
Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran praised the field offices for their diligent implementation of forest resource regulations. He encourages public compliance to help protect and conserve natural resources.
The checkpoints are part of CENRO Bago’s commitment to enhanced visibility and diligent enforcement of environmental laws in their area of responsibility.
