Army to support forest protection efforts in Davao region

“Our troops are not only peacekeepers but also guardians of nature and we will ensure to support the DENR in apprehending those who destroy the forests and face the full force of the law,” he said.

Security forces and the DENR have identified 16 illegal logging hot spots in Davao Region.

Joselin Marcus Fragada, director of the DENR XI said the number of hot spots had been reduced from 66 barangays as identified in 2012.

The DENR tapped the assistance of the police and military to strengthen the campaign against illegal logging activities in Davao Region in line with the implementation of the Executive Order No. 23 issued by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on February 11, 2011.

The target areas are believed to be dangerous due to the presence of armed groups.

“The operations in these areas need careful planning because of the risk involved. We cannot afford to lose people during the operations in the same way we cannot allow illegal loggers to continue raping our forests,” Fragada said.

In July 9, representatives from the DENR, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force conducted an aerial survey to determine the remaining forest cover and the status of logs brought down by typhoon Pablo. Based on the latest assessment made by the authorities, the hotspots comprise of six areas in Davao Oriental, eight in CompostelaValley and four areas in Davao del Norte.