For cutting coconut trees without securing a permit, three farmers and a laborer landed in jail last week following separate operations by the local police in Panganiban and Viga towns.
Arrested last Aug. 27 and 28, 2024 were farmer Rene Pasuengos Vega, 45, of San Jose, Panganiban; laborer Richard Cabrera Vega, 47, of Sta. Maria; farmer Dante Turirit Publico, 40, of Osmeña, Viga; and farmer Daniel Turirit Publico, 26, also of Osmeña.
They were nabbed pursuant to arrest warrants issued by Presiding Judge Lilibeth R. Ranara- Danglosi of the 3rd Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Panganiban-Viga-Bagamanoc, for violation of Sec. 5 of Republic Act 8048 as amended by RA 10593.
Bail for their temporary freedom has been recommended at P18,000.00 each.
RA 10593, which superseded RA 9048 or the Coconut Preservation Act of 1995, specifically prohibits the unauthorized cutting of coconut trees.
It imposes six years jail time and maximum fine of P500,000 for offender, with dismissal from employment to befall the guilty party if employed by the government.
The cutting of coconut trees is allowable only if the tree is 60 years old for the tall varieties and 40 years old for dwarf varieties; no longer productive; beyond rehabilitation due to disease infestation; severely damaged by typhoon or lightning. Also permitted are situations when the agricultural land has been converted into residential or commercial area, the land is converted into other agricultural use, and, the tree poses a hazard to life and property.