Three individuals were arrested on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 8:50 a.m. in Purok 7, Lawis, Barangay Daanlungsod, Toledo City, for cutting down two coconut trees. The arrest was made by the Tracker Team of the Toledo City Police Station based on a warrant of arrest for violation of R.A. 8048, as amended by R.A. 10593, also known as the Coconut Preservation Act of 1995.
Details of the Arrest
The suspects were identified as alyas Cording, 63; Jingjing, 42; and Lita, 73, all residents of Pinamungajan town. They were arrested for allegedly cutting down two coconut trees without permission from the complainant, which led to a neighbor dispute. According to Police Lt. Col. Verniño Noserale, chief of the Toledo Police Station, the incident stemmed from a quarrel between neighbors that escalated.
The trees were reportedly leaning against the house of the suspects, prompting them to cut them down. However, the complainant was angered by the lack of prior notice or consent, leading to the filing of charges.
Legal Proceedings
The warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Jesa Anne Carla E. Balahadia-Nuñez of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Seventh Judicial Region, Pinamungajan, Cebu, dated June 8, 2026. Bail was set at P36,000 for each suspect for their temporary liberty.
The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges under the Coconut Preservation Act, which aims to protect coconut trees as a vital agricultural resource in the Philippines.
