Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today called on all local officials in Mindanao to stop illegal logging which is believed to have been the cause of flooding in the area.

Robredo made the call during a press briefing at the Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness Forum held in General Santos City, wherein he was asked, on what measures to be done to stop flooding in some parts of Mindanao.

The Gensan Tapatan was attended by more than 600 participants composed of governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay officials in Southern Mindanao, disaster risk reduction management regional officers, representatives from civil society organizations, non-government organizations and as well as members of the media.

“For me, the primary measure to do is to stop illegal logging. Huwag na tayong magputol ng kahoy,” Robredo pointed out.

He explained that local officials had an important role to play to put a stop to illegal logging activities in the country only what is required is political will.

The DILG chief said that insofar as the campaign against illegal logging in Mindanao is concerned, eight Caraga policemen particularly in Butuan City were suspended for their involvement in said prohibited activity.

Aside from policemen, Robredo also said an investigation had been previously conducted against five mayors, and another two mayors will likewise be investigated for illegal logging.###

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