DENR CV commends NBI for forest law enforcement

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recognized the efforts of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the successful implementation of forest laws in Cagayan Valley Region.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan awarded a certificate of commendation to the seven NBI personnel during the DENR Regional Management Conference on July 23 in Tuguegarao City.

 

The assistance of the NBI under the leadership of Regional Director Gelacio D. Bongngat resulted in the apprehension of 13,031.91 board feet of illegal forest products in Baggao and Peñablanca, Cagayan. It also contributed to the filing of corresponding criminal cases against the forest law violators.

 

Undersecretary for Field Operations, Enforcement and Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna, who graced the management conference, expressed gratitude for the active involvement of the NBI in DENR’s forest protection efforts.

 

“The NBI is the most sought office and very reliable entity in law enforcement. Congratulations for being the topnotch law enforcer right now,” USec Sampulna said as he thanked the bureau in behalf of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu for helping the DENR in the pursuit of its mandate.

 

The top official also appealed for the continued support of the NBI in all the undertakings of the Department.

 

RED Bambalan handed the certificate of commendation to Supervising Agent Chris Mesa, Supervising Agent Julie Ann Tarona, Senior Agent Clyde B. Cabasag, Senior Agent Pia Hazel B. Soga-ang, Senior Agent Martinelli R. Cobsen, Special Investigator Denver Louie S. Cabaluna and Patrolman Jay-Ar T. Bartolome.

 

In response, the NBI through Supervising Agent Mesa assured assistance to the DENR in environmental law enforcement.

On April 26, the DENR and the NBI served the search warrant at the residence of Ernest Sibbaluca in Barangay Minanga, Peñablanca town where they discovered a total volume of 4,327 bd. ft. of illegally cut hardwood species inside his compound.

The joint team also discovered illegally cut lumber and flitches abandoned in an open lot with a volume of more or less 5,000 bd. ft.

 

Based on the report of the team, RD Bongngat followed the operatives at around 11 p.m. on the same day for their safety since there was no contact from them for almost 15 hours. The report added that he waited until all the operatives left the area.

 

Another DENR-NBI joint operation was conducted in Sta. Margarita in Baggao town which resulted in the apprehension of 3,704 bd.ft. of common hardwood lumber from a certain Judy Fabillar in the guise of a dismantled house.#