CENRO urged to file charges now vs. illegal logging suspect in Cadiz

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Cadiz City is being urged to make good its promise now to the media to “immediately” file charges against those behind illegal cutting of trees in a protected area in Cadiz.

Despite assurances of the office of CENRO Cadiz head Mamad T. Gandarosa, Jr., through his executive staff John Odango, no cases were filed yet as of today.

The illegal cutting of trees were discovered on August 29, this year in Sitio Dinaldangan, Barangay Celestino Villacin, Cadiz, and was reported to the barangay and CENRO on August 30.

Complainant Charlie B. Añalucas of Sagay City, who filed the complaint against suspect Samson G. Añalucas, included photos of the cut trees of various endangered species.

CENRO’s Odango, who was contacted by mediamen in the morning of November 8, also assured the latter that they will immediately file charges against the suspects claiming that they already have enough evidence.

Charlie Añalucas told newsmen he cannot understand why the charges were not yet filed since the matter was also documented by CENRO deputized forest giards and personnel when they conducted ocular inspections at the site.

In his Aug. 30, 2022 complaint, he included photos of cut trees which included endangered trees such as Lawaan, Bakan, Taulay and Odling, and some bamboo trees.

The cut logs are in a protected area under the Northern Negros Natural Park, so that a copy of his complaint before Brgy. Celestino Villacin, signed by Punong Barangay Arlene N. Verbo, was also furnished the NNNP’s Protected Area Superintendent on September 5, 2022.

On Sept. 2, Freddie N. Laurio, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment of the barangay, together with the Bantay Bukid Brigade members, submitted their report after conducting an investigation.
In their own investigations, the cutting of trees was confirmed, and it was later found out that some of the cut logs were used in building a structure there.

CENRO kept urging the complainant to present witnesses reportedly to strengthen the charges being readied, but when pressed by newsmen as to the filing of charges by CENRO, Odango said their office will now “immediately file charges” claiming they have enough evidence.

Charlie Añaculas has confirmed today that such “immediate filing” is yet to be done, expressing concern why it is being delayed when CENRO already has enough evidence as also claimed by Odango.* (APT)