Police intercepted a truck declared to be carrying vegetables but later found to be transporting undocumented pine lumber during a routine checkpoint operation on March 21, 2026.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that authorities seized an estimated ₱159,195.15 worth of undocumented pine lumber at a checkpoint in Barangay Nagsabaran, Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.
The operation was conducted by personnel from the 2nd Mobile Force Platoon of the 1st Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st NVPMFC) in coordination with the Diadi Municipal Police Station.
According to authorities, the operatives flagged down an Isuzu Elf truck bearing plate number XSK 622, which was declared to be transporting vegetables. During inspection, police noticed a strong odor of pine wood coming from the vehicle.
This prompted operatives to further check the cargo area, where they discovered approximately 3,537.67 board feet of sawn pine lumber concealed beneath the declared vegetable cargo.
Police arrested the truck driver identified as “IPE,” 25 years old, and his helper identified as “JAY,” 18 years old. Both suspects are residents of Bagnen Oriente, Bauko, Mountain Province.
The suspects are now facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 705, also known as the Revised Forestry Code.
Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director PCol. Paul T. Bometivo commended the personnel involved in the successful operation. He said the interception demonstrates the continued commitment of the Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office to strengthen its campaign against illegal logging activities.
The PNP emphasized that protecting the environment remains a priority, along with the strict enforcement of laws aimed at safeguarding the province’s natural resources.
