GENERAL TINIO, Nueva Ecija – Two men, including a 43-year-old businessman, who were caught in the act of hauling undocumented lumber from a river allegedly managed to flee after a group of individuals ganged up on the arresting lawmen, who were overpowered, resulting in the duo’s escape along with six others.

The anti-illegal logging operation was conducted along the Sumacbao River in Bgy. Pias at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday also led authorities to seize at least 127 pieces of “hot lumber flitches” with a total volume of 6,833.36 board feet, valued at P410,019.

Police said an undetermined number of seized “hot logs” was lost after being retrieved and brought back to the river by a mob of people that included women and children, who also allegedly assaulted the five arresting police operatives conducting the operation.

Police said the suspect businessman, alias “Danny” and a farmer were from Bgy. Sampaguita.

The suspects’ six other cohorts, identified only as John Does, also managed to escape, said Nueva Ecija Provincial Information Chief Lt. Franklin Sindac, quoting initial reports submitted to his office.

“Opo kinuyog mga pulis natin kaya yung arrested na dalawa naitakas, pero dahil kilala sila sure na ma-ifile yung kaso,” said Sindac.

Meanwhile, acting provincial police head Col. Jess B. Mendez denied that one of the escaped suspects, similar to his surname, is a relative. “Hindi – pinapahanap ko nga at kasama siya sa kakasuhan,” Mendez told this reporter in a Viber message when asked if the suspect was a relative of his.

Also seized during the operation was a gray Ford Ranger pickup truck registered to the businessman.

Mendez said proper coordination has already been made with the provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for filing appropriate charges against the suspects and the disposition of the recovered pieces of evidence.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico