2 fall for endangered lumber

The National Bureau of Investigation arrested a barangay councilor and his companion in an entrapment operation in Tacloban City for the alleged sale of illegally cut lumber from banned tree species “Magkuno” or “Iron Wood.”

They were identified as Clyde Rey Balaan, barangay councilor and resident of Lianga, Surigao del Sur; and Elward Lomongcon.

The NBI seized from the suspects P900,000 marked money, one unit wing van, 12-wheeler truck and 13 pieces Magkuno lumbers.

The wing van and 13 pieces of lumber were turned over to Department of Environmental and Natural Resources pending necessary documentation.

Balaan and Lomongcan have been charged with violations of the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

The logs allegedly came from Mindanao, and used the Port of San Ricardo as point of entry.

The logs are allegedly distributed in the municipality of Bato, Leyte and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.