DENR slashes number of illegal logging hotspots across Caraga
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga intensified its crackdown on illegal logging, resulting in a significant reduction of hotspot areas and a surge in apprehensions of violators, as part of its mandate to protect the region’s vast forest resources.
“With 70 percent of Caraga’s land area classified as timberland, the region is home to over 700,000 hectares of forest, including 134,501 hectares of closed forest and 580,069 hectares of open forest.” DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo said. “These resources are now under tighter protection, thanks to the agency’s strengthened law enforcement strategies and collaboration with partners.”
She shared that at the peak of Executive Order No. 23 or the declaration of a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the anti-illegal logging task force in the country, 17 illegal logging hotspots were identified in Caraga. But through relentless operations, surveillance, and legal action, DENR Caraga brought that number down to just six (6) hotspots in 2024, including areas in Loreto, Talacogon, La Paz, and Esperanza in Agusan del Sur, and Lianga and Lingig in Surigao del Sur.
Dir. Ocampo also disclosed that from January to May 2025 alone, DENR Caraga recorded 148 anti-illegal logging apprehensions; over 310,000 board feet of undocumented forest products confiscated; and 30 conveyances used in illegal transport of lumber seized. In a parallel effort, 132 additional cases during the same period led to the confiscation of 364,904 board feet of illegal lumber; and 42 more conveyances.
She lauded the contribution of the agency’s enforcement personnel and partners from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and local government units (LGUs) in sustaining forest patrols and tightening ground surveillance. “The reduction in hotspot areas and the volume of seizures reflect our commitment to curbing illegal logging and holding violators accountable,” she added.
Ocampo also reported a notable increase in forest cover in the Caraga region as a direct outcome of sustained law enforcement and reforestation efforts, backed by the legal filing of 10 cases against environmental law offenders for the period of January to May 2025.
To support public institutions, 10,720 board feet of confiscated lumber were donated to the Department of Education (DepEd), barangays, LGUs, the PA, and the PNP, ensuring that these resources are repurposed for community benefit.
Meanwhile, in a recognition ceremony held in Butuan City, DENR Caraga honored its partner agencies for their vital role in forest protection, reinforcing the government’s whole-of-nation approach to natural resource conservation.
Through intensified enforcement, multi-sectoral collaboration, and community involvement, DENR Caraga is proving that illegal logging can be effectively addressed, protecting not just trees, but the future of communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
