The Philippine National Police Maritime Group Regional Maritime Unit 11 arrested three individuals who illegally transported forest products in the City of Mati over the weekend.
In a police report, the arrested suspects were identified as:
- Wilfredo Bebero, 22 years old, single, jobless;
- Renenard Sanjurju Samonte, 29 years old, married, jobless;
- Ronienito Sanjurju Samonte, 36 years old, single, jobless. All residents of Purok 17-4, Brgy. Central, Mati City.
On February 1, 2020 at about 8:30 PM, composite team of RMU 11 led by Police Senior Master Sergeant Jun Ralph PiΓ±ero under the direct supervision of Police Colonel Osmundo Salibo conducted seaborne patrol operation along Pujada Bay particularly at the waters off Sitio Wagon, Brgy. Macambol in the City of Mati.
Authorities caught the suspects onboard an unmarked motorized banca loaded with more or less 343.32 boardfeet of Lauan lumbers with estimated value of Php 12,016.
Also confiscated were one unmarked green-colored motor banca with two Kamma Engine with 12HP and 10HP estimated value of Php 80,000.
The suspects are facing charges For violation of Sec. 77 (Transporting Forest Products/ Sawn Lumbers without Legal Documents) of PD 705 as Amended by RA 7161 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
Arrested suspects were brought to Mati City Police Station for temporary custody while confiscated items were properly turned-over to CENRO Mati for documentation and proper disposition for filing of appropriate charges in Court. (CIO MATI)