MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/26 December) – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman has issued an order stopping all logging operations in Lanao del Sur. But sooner or later he will realize to his dismay that implementing the stoppage requires more than just making bold policy statements. He will have to step on the toes of people who even the President himself may find hard to whip into line.
Any official is deluding himself if he thinks he can easily get rid of a malady that has become a major lifeblood for local politicians, and abetted by corrupt military, police and environment officials.
Hataman’s order came in the wake of the flood caused by Tropical Storm Sendong, particularly in Iligan City where thousands of logs apparently coming from Lanao del Sur were swept ashore.
An embarrassed Governor Adiong has denied the logs came from his province, but common sense tells us he was mouthing crap. Based on Lanao del Sur’s topography in relation to Iligan, there is no other logical explanation.
Let Adiong wash his hands on the tragedy that struck Iligan. It won’t change what’s obvious to everybody by now.
Adiong further said they have stopped issuing logging permits.
That’s a lame explanation, which only revealed that he has failed to protect the forests.
Denying permits doesn’t necessarily mean the cutting has stopped. And if the cutting hasn’t stopped despite the non-issuance of permits, it means the loggers enjoy protection from individuals in high places. Or worse, the loggers themselves occupy high positions.
