DENR files charges to 40 suspected illegal loggers in Nueva Ecija

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 1, 2011-The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has filed charges for forestry law violations against 40 suspected illegal loggers, including 13 teenagers in Nueva Ecija following the seizure of contraband lumber along a river in the boundary of the Dona Remedios Trinidad-Gen. Tinio watershed and forest reserve.

Charged before the Nueva Ecija Office of the Provincial Prosecutor here in an information filed by DENR-San Rafael, Bulacan community environment and natural resources officer Meliton Vicente Jr. were Darwin Pacheco, 30; Eric Pangilinan, 38; Mario Pascual, 38; Mark Angelo Fernando,17; Marlon Pascual, 25; Eduardo Diaz, 16; Darius dela Cruz, 26; Darwin dela Cruz, 17; Mark Ver Magat, 17; Leo Esquicel, 28; Eduardo Pangilinan, 60; Eleazar Gutierrez, 16; Romy Abis, 29; John Paul Wilson, 41; Cris Samson, 15; Ronnie Diaz, 17; Pedro Bulacan, 32; Daniel de Guzman, 32; Danilo Bulacan, 17; Rico Fajardo, 37; Jojo Toledo, 28; Edward Baluyot, 33; Gregorio Abranis, 18; Kilven Wilson, 35; Jeffrey Wilson, 17; Gary Padolina, 14; Alex Caldo, 25; Elmer Baluyot, 27; Cedrick Baluyot, 14; Ricardo Pangilinan, 14; Bernabe Abenyo, 54; Allan Gonzales, 40; Gerry Quizon, 32; Ricardo Mabalay, 33; Pedro Gaboni, 32;  Marvin Barles, Marlon Barles, Marjon Barles, Gabriel dela Cruz and Enrico dela Cruz, all of Barangay Pias, Gen. Tinio town.

The suspects were charged following a recent-five day operation of a 14-man DENR team which recovered 7,288 board feet of assorted lumber hidden underneath the Sumacbao River lying within the Dona Remedios Trinidad-Gen. Tinio watershed.

Vicente said the “hot forest products” were found hidden in six creeks where they also seized a chainsaw and other gadgets used in hauling their contraband.

“The suspects were identified as Lito Bote, Gerry Bote, Nicasio Torres, Eric Bal and a certain Puntina, all of Gen. Tinio as their alleged financiers. However, he could not say if the two Botes are related to Mayor Virgilio Bote and Vice Mayor Ferdie Bote who waged a town-wide crusade against illegal logging last year,” Vicente said.

The lumber and flitches are reportedly to be sold and delivered to this city, Gapan City, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila aboard forward trucks and jeeps. (Jason de Asis)