BAGUIO CITY — Authorities arrested nine men and seized more than P365,000 worth of illegal lumber during an enforcement operation in Barangay Sipa, Sta. Marcela, Apayao, on 2 February 2026.

The Police Regional Office–Cordillera launched the law enforcement operation following a tip from a local resident regarding the transport of undocumented forest products.

The Apayao Police Provincial Office identified the suspects as seven residents of Pudtol, one from Kabugao, and one from La Trinidad, Benguet.

Police caught the individuals while they were loading tanguile flitches into a dump truck. The confiscated lumber totaled 5,213.3 board feet, with an estimated market value of P365,071.

The operatives were part of a joint team from the 1st Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Sta. Marcela Municipal Police Station, provincial and regional intelligence units, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

During the operation, the suspects failed to present the required permits for the transport and possession of the lumber.

The suspects, seized lumber and the dump truck are now in the custody of the Sta. Marcela Municipal Police Station for documentation. The individuals will face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 705, also known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.