Pola, Oriental Mindoro – The Pola Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the leadership of PCPT BERNIE T. ORTEGA, Officer-in-Charge, arrested a chainsaw operator and confiscated approximately ₱200,000.00 worth of illegally cut coconut lumber during a coordinated anti-illegal logging operation conducted on July 2, 2026, in Barangay Calima, Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

The operation was carried out jointly with personnel from the 3rd Platoon, 1st PMFC, and the 404th RMFB, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old resident of Barangay Tiguihan, Pola.

During the operation, authorities found that although the suspect had a valid chainsaw registration, he could not present the required permit authorizing the cutting and transport of coconut lumber, prompting his arrest for violation of the applicable provisions of Republic Act No. 10593.

Recovered from the suspect were approximately 4,000 board feet of assorted coconut lumber valued at ₱200,000.00, along with two chainsaws believed to have been used in the illegal activity.

The recovered items were properly inventoried with the assistance of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and were temporarily placed under the custody of Barangay Calima pending proper disposition, while appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect.

PCPT Ortega commended the operating personnel for their prompt and coordinated response, emphasizing that the successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of the Pola Municipal Police Station to enforcing environmental laws and protecting the municipality’s natural resources.

“We will continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts and work closely with our partner agencies and the community to ensure that those who violate environmental laws are brought to justice and that our natural resources are preserved for future generations,” PCPT Ortega said.

The Pola Municipal Police Station remains committed to intensifying operations against environmental crimes and supporting government initiatives aimed at protecting the environment through consistent law enforcement and strong inter-agency collaboration.