MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — The Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) of Lanao del Sur recently concluded its 3rd quarterly meeting on September 30, 2021 at Social Hall, Provincial Capitol, Marawi City, and presented updates and reports on the status of anti-illegal logging activities in the province.

Among the highlights of the meeting were the updates from the Task Force’s Chairman headed by MILG Provincial Director McMillan A. Lucman, Vice Chairman Provincial ENRE Officer Forester Asmarie M. Labao of MENRE-Lanao del Sur. PLGU ENR Officer Forester Pili Papandayan, LDS PPO Deputy Provincial for Operations PLt.Col. Ariel M. Narborada, and 103rd Brigade representative F/Sgt. Jim Agosto were also present as members.

Director Lucman said, “MILG is still committed to its mandate to assist MENRE’s campaign against illegal logging activities.”

As a counterpart of MENRE, PLGU ENR Officer For. Papandayan gave a detailed report on the current situation of the Forest Land of LDS using data from 2001 to 2017 and pronounced that at least 2,747 trees are being cut every day. With that, he said that the PLGU created EO No. 005 s.2019 aka “Task Force Khalifa” as a mechanism in resolving environmental issues of the province, including the rampant acts of illegal logging.

Further, LDS PPO PLt.Cl. Narborada pledged their unswerving loyalty to the Makakakalikasang Programs of the PAILTF and the MENRE. The 103rd Brigade, as represented by F/Sgt. Agosto, reassured the Task Force that they would continue to join their activities in combating illegal loggers. In fact, they had conducted tree planting activities inside their camp with around 200 fruit-bearing trees in the presence of NPC personnel.

The meeting also tackled the PAILTF directives to remind the members of its objectives and Lanao del Sur’s proposed Forest Protection Plan, aiming for a “quality environment for quality of life.” These lectures were given by CENRE Officers of Lanao del Sur For. Asnawi A. Dataman and For. Benjamin D. Alangca, respectively.

PENRE Officer For. Asmarie M. Labao expressed his appreciation to the attendees and encouraged all the members to continue their support and commitment in strengthening the Task Force against illegal logging activities in the province of Lanao del Sur for the future of Moriatao o Ranaw.