CATBALOGAN, Samar – The Army in Eastern Visayas has intensified its operations against the illegal cutting of trees in the six provinces of the region, the military commander told reporters in an interview.

Major General Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general 8th Infantry Division (8ID), Philippine Army, based in Barangay Maulong, this municipality, said that his command has been playing an active role against the illegal cutting of trees in the region.

Tabaquero disclosed that with their active campaign against the illegal cutting of trees, his soldiers confiscated 13,964 pieces illegally cut lumber from January to October of this year and these lumber materials were turned over to the proper authorities.

Tabaquero added that as part of their operations soldiers has set up checkpoints in strategic areas to check the flow of the illegally cut lumber and apprehend those who are involved in the illegal cutting of trees.

Tabaquero added that their civil-military operations and the partnership with the civilian sector the people in the countryside is reporting to the government troopers the presence of the illegal cutting of trees in the communities mostly through text messages.

Tabaquero cited the case of Northern Samar wherein the illegal cutting of trees in the area has brought the attention of the officials in the province.

It can be recalled that earlier this year Rep. Emil Ong of the Second District of Northern Samar has condemned the uncontrolled illegal cutting of trees in his district.

Ong claimed that the illegal cutting of trees in his district has caused to the destruction of the forest cover in the area.

Ong further claimed that the destruction of the forest cover has caused landslides and flooding of several towns in his district during the February (of this year) heavy rains that struck his district killing more than 10 people and the destruction of millions of agricultural crops and infrastructure.