PCG Intercepts Undocumented Lawaan Lumber in Zamboanga City Maritime Operation

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted and seized approximately 2,000 board feet of undocumented Lawaan lumber during a maritime law enforcement operation conducted in Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City, on August 4.

The operation stemmed from intelligence reports received by the Coast Guard indicating that a motorized banca transporting undocumented Lawaan lumber had departed from Latuan, Basilan, and was headed for Rio Hondo.

Acting on the information, Coast Guard personnel established surveillance in the area and monitored the vessel's arrival. At approximately 8:30 p.m., authorities carried out an interdiction operation, successfully stopping the motorized banca and apprehending its operator for proper identification and investigation.

According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the transport of forest products without the necessary documentation is a violation of existing Philippine forestry laws, which require all timber and other forest products to be accompanied by valid transport permits and supporting documents issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

She emphasized that these requirements are essential in ensuring that forest resources originate from legitimate and sustainable sources while helping authorities curb illegal logging and the unlawful trade of timber products.

"The documentation system is in place to protect the country's forests by ensuring that forest products being transported have been legally harvested and properly authorized," Cayabyab explained.

Following the operation, the apprehended boat operator, together with the confiscated lumber, was brought to the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga at around 11:15 p.m. for inventory, documentation, and further investigation to determine possible violations of forestry and environmental laws.

Authorities, however, decided to leave the motorized banca at its docking area after Coast Guard personnel discovered a hole in its hull, posing a safety risk if it were moved.

The PCG said it remains committed to intensifying maritime law enforcement operations against the illegal transport of forest products as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the country's natural resources and combat environmental crimes.

The operation also supports the national government's environmental protection initiatives under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, as well as the Coast Guard's Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program and its Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea strategic concept, which aim to strengthen maritime security, enforce environmental laws, and uphold the rule of law in Philippine waters.