Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers seized approximately 2,000 board feet of undocumented Lawaan lumber during a maritime law enforcement operation at Barangay Rio Hondo.

The Coast Guard launched the interdiction after receiving intelligence that a motorized banca carrying undocumented timber had departed Latuan, Basilan, bound for Rio Hondo.

Personnel monitored the vessel’s arrival at around 8:30 p.m. and intercepted the boat. Authorities apprehended the operator for profiling and further investigation.

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said transporting undocumented forest products violates national forestry laws, which require timber to carry valid transport permits issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“These requirements ensure that forest products come from legal sources and prevent illegal logging and the unlawful trade of timber,” Cayabyab said.

Officers brought the suspect and the seized lumber to Coast Guard Station Zamboanga at around 11:15 p.m. for inventory. The motorized banca was left at its docking area after personnel discovered a hole in its hull.

The agency said the operation forms part of its ongoing enforcement push against the illegal transport of timber products under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.