Yt Framework

While conducting Maritime Interdiction Operation and Maritime Security Patrol, personnel of Naval Special Operations Unit(NAVSOU) 1 under the operational control of Naval Task Force 62 intercepted Motor Launch vessel at vicinity of Lamion Point, Tawi-Tawi on October 8, 2011 at around two in the afternoon.

The vessel was later identified as M/L Sulna owned and operated by a certain Hadja Darmina A Sandangan.  The inspection revealed a total of 10,000 Board Feet of undocumented assorted good lumbers and 69 pcs of round timber.

According to Lt. Siscar, Commanding Officer of NAVSOU1, the vessel was heading toward Bongao Pier suspiciously that led his men to intercept the vessel skippered by a certain Amirjakka with six crew and five passengers onboard.

The vessel and the apprehended logs were turned over to the officials of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition.

As a fitting gesture of this accomplishment, the DENR commended the Philippine Navy for their honorable action in line with the observance of the total log ban in the province.

Rear Admiral Guzman, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao said the apprehension of M/L Surna is their continuing effort to curb all illegal cutting of trees not only in Tawi-Tawi but also the whole Western Mindanao. It can be recalled that last September 1, 2011, an estimated of 28,000 Board Feet of illegal logs was also apprehended in the waters of Sulu which also came from Tawi-Tawi.

Radm Guzman added, “The Naval Forces Western Mindanao will continue and intensify their Naval Operations in their Area of Responsibilities to hunt all lawlessness at sea to include the transport of illegal logs in all parts of Western Mindanao particularly in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi province where rampant incidents of this activity were recorded and monitored.” (PR)