ORMOC CITY– Two individuals were apprehended by local police after attempting to evade a checkpoint while transporting undocumented coconut lumber on February 26, in Barangay Anquiana, San Jorge, Samar.
San Jorge OIC-Chief of Police, PCpt. Petronio Piangco, identified the suspects as alias “Jessreil,” 30, a driver with a live-in partner, and alias “Harold,” 46, married, both residents of Sitio Anisyao, Barangay Makiwalo, Mondragon, Northern Samar.
According to Piangco, the suspects were on board a green Isuzu Wing Van with plate number RME510 when they passed through a spot checkpoint in Poblacion I. Upon being flagged down by authorities, the vehicle suddenly sped away, prompting a police chase.
The officers caught up with them in Barangay Anquiana, where they were finally stopped.
Upon inspection, the police discovered the vehicle was loaded with coconut lumber, which was visible through a hole in the van’s door. When asked to present the necessary transport documents, the suspects failed to provide any permits for their cargo.
Authorities confiscated, aside from their vehicle, 226 pieces of coconut lumber totaling 2,266 board feet, with an estimated market value of P47,988.00; 84 pieces (2x6x12); 125 pieces (2x6x10); and 34 pieces (3x6x8.)
The arrested individuals and seized materials were taken to the San Jorge Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. Charges are being prepared against the suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10593, also known as “An Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees, Its Replenishment, and Providing Penalties Therefor.”
Authorities remind the public that transporting coconut lumber without proper permits is a violation of the law and may result in legal consequences.
(ROBERT DEJON)
