The Philippines’ government has implemented a presidential order banning logging by closing at least 56 sawmills operating in several towns of Quezon provinces.
The order instructs the Department of Natural Resources not to issue or renew logging deals and tree-cutting permits involving natural and residual forests and to close and disallow sawmills and other wood-processing plants that were unable to present proof of sustainable sources of legally cut logs.
Other sawmills, mostly supplying furniture makers, in the provinces of Laguna and Rizal are understood to also be in line for government enforcement action.
