Illegally cut Mangkono log recovered in Romblon; probe on

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Police and environment personnel recovered an abandoned, illegally cut Mangkono (Tiga) tree log during an operation in San Fernando town, Romblon province, authorities said on Monday. The San Fernando Municipal Police Station (MPS) assisted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in recovering the Mangkono round log measuring about four feet long and 28 centimeters in diameter in Sitio Talaba, Barangay Taclobo, on July 26. The timber has an estimated market value of P5,000. The operation was launched after the DENR Sibuyan Field Office sought police assistance. Police said no individual was found in possession of the log during the operation, and investigators are still determining the identity of the person responsible for the illegal act. READ: 8 nabbed for illegally cutting trees in Oriental Mindoro, Romblon READ: P160,00 worth of illegally sourced lumber seized in Mindoro The recovered timber was turned over to the DENR Guard Post 3 in Sitio Olango, Barangay España, San Fernando, for documentation and proper disposition in accordance with environmental regulations. Personnel from the San Fernando police, led by OIC Police Lt. Romel Rutor, and members of the 3rd Platoon of the Romblon Provincial Mobile Force Company joined a DENR team headed by Protected Area Superintendent Joybert Mijares. Romblon police director Col. Rexton F. Sawi said the operation supports the Mimaropa police’s Project T.R.E.E. (Take Responsibility for the Enhancement of the Environment), an initiative that promotes environmental protection and the preservation of forest resources through collaboration among government agencies and local communities. /mcm