CIDG RFU3 HAULS TO JAIL ILLEGAL LOGGER, GUNRUNNER IN NUEVA ECIJA

BY KEVIN GALANG

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3 (CIDG RFU3) conducted separate law enforcement operations in Nueva Ecija resulting in the arrest of two men for violations of forestry and firearms laws.

According to CIDG RFU3 chief Col. Grant Gollod, CIDG Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit (PFU), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Cabanatuan City, on Thursday conducted a buy-bust operation under “Oplan Kalikasan” in Bgy. Liwayway, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

The sting led to the arrest of alias “Geo,” 34,  of  Bgy. San Agustin Norte, Arayat, Pampanga.

The suspect was nabbed for illegal gathering and sale of forest products without the required permit, in violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

Confiscated from the suspect were 136 pieces of assorted lumber valued at approximately P200,000, one Isuzu Elf truck bearing plate number WTZ 107 valued at P300,000, and the buy-bust and boodle money.

The total estimated value of the seized items amounted to P500,000. 

Meanwhile, the CIDG RFU3  on Friday launched “Oplan Paglalansag Omega” with the implementation of a search warrant in Bgy. Betes, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. 

Joint operatives from CIDG Nueva Ecija PFU and the 21st Special Action Company, 2nd Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force served the search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 26, Cabanatuan City .

Arrested was alias “Goson,”  41,  a resident of Bgy. Betes, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.

Seized during the operation were one 12-gauge shotgun, two live 12-gauge shotgun shells, one cal. .380 Browning pistol, one magazine assembly, and seven rounds of live .380 ammunition.

Police said a criminal complaint is being prepared for filing against the suspect before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Gollod said the successful operations underscore CIDG’s firm commitment to environmental protection and the enforcement of firearms laws. 

The official reiterated that the CIDG RFU3 will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to curb illegal activities and ensure public safety across the region.