Tubod, Lanao del Norte – To preserve the abundant biodiversity and lush forest cover particularly in the interior municipalities of this province, Governor Khalid Dimaporo has ordered the concerned local agencies to step up its campaign against illegal logging.



“We need to significantly disable if not permanently dismantle the operations of these illegal loggers”, urged Gov. Dimaporo.

The call was made during the coordination meeting held on October 11, 2010 at the Provincial Capitol Building, Pigcarangan, Tubod.



The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Region 10 has identified 11 hotspot areas in the province. These are municipalities where illegal loggers are frequently sighted and caught operating.



“Illegal logging is a very destructive activity. Unabated logging can lead to flash floods and contribute to river siltation which will ultimately destroy our Panguil Bay”, explained Environment Officer Ramon Serapio.



To strengthen the environmental campaign, the provincial government is creating an inter-agency, multi-sectoral task force that will focus on big-time illegal loggers operating in Lanao del Norte.



The anti-illegal logging task force will be chaired by Governor Dimaporo with PENRO Ben-Ali Decampong as its Vice-Chairman. Officials from the AFP and PNP as well as provincial heads will complete the composition of the new task force.



With an ever-increasing demand for timber products, regardless of their legality, the rate of forest destruction is also on the rise.



Lanao del Norte is taking the extra step to ensure that their trees stay protected from abusive illegal loggers and that their forest resources are preserve for future generations. VNL/PIO-LDN