- CENRO Davao confiscates P132-K worth of forest products sold on Facebook Marketplace
THE COMMUNITY Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) seized 240 pieces of undocumented lumber and flitches worth over P132,000 in Barangay Tamugan, Davao City.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI report said the forest products were sold without proper documentation through Facebook Marketplace.
DENR XI reported the confiscated undocumented forest products totaled 2,198.66 board feet.
The items seized in Lower Tamugan consisted of 72 pieces of Falcata, 38 pieces of Mahogany, 82 pieces of Narra, and 48 pieces of miscellaneous species, with an appraised value of P82,133.89.
Additionally, a bandsaw unit and its attached components, used to process the lumber, were also seized, valued at P50,000.
The operation was conducted jointly with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group in Davao City.
According to the DENR XI, the seized products lacked the required documents to prove their legal origin and lawful possession.
Investigators found that the establishment involved had previously held a Certificate of Registration or Permit as a Lumber Dealer, which expired in 2024 and was never renewed despite repeated notices and reminders.
Continuous monitoring by CENRO-Davao City also revealed that the establishment’s owner or operator had moved the display area and continued selling lumber products online without legal authority to operate.
“Following the apprehension, CENRO – Davao City will initiate the administrative proceedings pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 97-32 and other applicable forestry laws, rules, and regulations,” the agency said.
It added the case is also recommended for referral, in coordination with the PNP Maritime Group, for the filing of criminal charges under Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended; Republic Act No. 460; and DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-05.
The agency reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against the illegal trade of forest products to ensure the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the country’s forest resources.
