Makilala, Cotabato – A joint entrapment operation by the PNP Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU 12) and DENR 12-PENRO Cotabato led to the arrest of Ulpiano Sigue Balbiran Jr., 43, for the illegal sale of a chainsaw.

The suspect was caught selling a “20-inch mini chainsaw” via Facebook Marketplace and was apprehended at 11:20 AM on March 26, 2025, along the National Highway in Makilala. The operation, led by PCPT Mark P. Bicera (CPCRT-RACU 12) and PLTCOL Rolly Casimiro Oranza (Makilala MPS Chief), was conducted in coordination with DENR 12-PENRO Cotabato enforcement officers lead by Monitoring Enforcement Section Chief Joffrey Laraya and Asst. Regulation and Permitting Section Chief Marson C. Gagit, to execute the operation under PCOL Alvin M. Martin (RACU 12 Chief).

Authorities confiscated the chainsaw, a mobile phone, and mark money. The suspect faces charges for violating the Chainsaw Act of 2002 or RA 9175 in relation to Sec. 6 of RA 10175 and is now in police custody of Makilala Municipal Police Station. The seized electronic devices will be subjected to further examination.

DENR 12-PENRO Cotabato urges the public to report illegal chainsaw sales as part of efforts to curb environmental crimes.