Major Sting Operation Halts Illegal Trade of Endangered Ironwood in Cebu
In a significant crackdown on environmental crime, agents from the National Bureau of Investigation Region 7 (NBI-7) successfully intercepted a major illegal sale of highly endangered ironwood, commonly known as magkuno, in Naga City, Cebu. The operation, which culminated in the arrest of three suspects, exposed a sophisticated trafficking network that has allegedly operated for over two decades.
Undercover Operation Uncovers Facebook Marketplace Scheme
The investigation was initiated after authorities identified suspicious online activity involving the sale of rare and protected forest products. One of the primary suspects, Khy-Rhys Anton Gonzalez, was found to be advertising "highly rare and endangered species" of ironwood on Facebook Marketplace, a popular social media platform. On January 27, 2026, Gonzalez contacted an undercover NBI agent, offering to sell five large pieces of cut ironwood. The total volume of the shipment was precisely measured at 716.66 board feet, with an estimated market value of approximately P640,000.
Sting Operation Leads to Arrests on Tinaan–Sindulan Road
The following day, on January 28, 2026, the suspects arranged to deliver the illicit cargo along the Tinaan–Sindulan road in Naga City. Unbeknownst to them, the supposed buyer was actually a federal agent. Gonzalez arrived at the meeting point accompanied by two other individuals: Edsel Villamora Revillas and the truck driver, Tirso Arcabal Olivar. All three men are of legal age and are residents of Cebu and Surigao del Sur provinces.
In an attempt to conceal the illegal nature of their shipment, the suspects had hidden the valuable ironwood pieces beneath a layer of rice hulls inside the truck. However, NBI-7 agents swiftly uncovered the cargo during the operation, preventing the sale and immediately apprehending the trio.
Decades-Long Illegal Supply Chain from Surigao to Cebu
According to detailed findings from the NBI-7 investigation, the seized ironwood originated from the forested regions of Surigao. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the suspects have been actively involved in supplying these protected forest products to markets in Cebu for an astonishing 26 years. This long-running operation highlights the persistent challenges in combating illegal logging and wildlife trafficking in the Philippines.
The actions of the arrested individuals constitute a clear violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, which specifically addresses the Unlawful Possession of Forest Products. This law is a critical component of the country's environmental protection framework, designed to safeguard endangered species and preserve natural resources.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Instead of completing the lucrative transaction, the three suspects were taken into custody and transported to jail. Formal inquest proceedings were conducted against them on January 29, 2026, at the Naga City Prosecutor's Office. The case underscores the serious legal consequences associated with trafficking endangered species and the commitment of Philippine authorities to enforce environmental laws.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to biodiversity in the region and the innovative, yet illicit, methods employed by traffickers, including the use of social media platforms to facilitate illegal trade. The NBI-7 continues to investigate the broader network involved in this long-standing supply chain, aiming to dismantle it completely and protect the nation's precious natural heritage.
