DENR seizes P3.6M worth of counterfeit chainsaws

On Tuesday, April 15, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seized P3.6 million worth of counterfeit chainsaws during a buy-bust operation at Eseki Industrial Enterprises Corporation in Barangay Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City.

The DENR's Environment Law Enforcement and Protection Service, along with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Camanava subregion, conducted the raid after weeks of surveillance following a complaint lodged with the Forest Management Bureau in February.

Initial investigations revealed that these counterfeit chainsaws were being sold at prices significantly lower than authentic ones, posing safety risks as they lack serial numbers, DTI stickers, and quality checks.

The firm may face criminal charges under the Chainsaw Act of 2002 for unauthorized importation or manufacture of chainsaws without DENR approval, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said the department would continue to closely coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of the government's broader strategy to combat environmental crimes.

The operation took place at a Valenzuela warehouse where the chainsaws were being unloaded in preparation for sale, sending a strong signal that this administration is serious about enforcing environmental laws.