The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is mulling over the regulation of online selling of chainsaws.
Secretary Roy Cimatu said that buying and selling of chainsaws online is not permitted by the agency under Republic Act 9175 or the Chainsaw Act of 2002.
“The public is advised to buy chainsaws only from DENR-authorized dealers and have them registered with the nearest DENR office. Those purchased from unauthorized sources like online platforms are deemed illegal and subject to confiscation even without a warrant,” he warned.
The restriction enforced by the government on the possession and use of chainsaws is similar to those imposed on the selling and ownership of guns as possession of unregistered chainsaws is a criminal offense and carries a penalty of imprisonment and fines, he stressed.
Cimatu said he has already held consultations with the Department of Trade and Industry for the regulation of the buying and selling of chainsaws through online platforms.
According to Cimatu, the Chainsaw Act of 2002 requires the registration of chainsaws with the DENR.
He cautioned that violation of which carries a penalty of six years in prison or a fine of P30,000.
“Concerned citizens are urged to report suspected illegal possession, use or sale of unregistered chainsaws,” he urged.
Assistant Secretary and Forest Management Bureau acting director Marcial Amaro Jr. said the DENR-FMB is crafting “workable options to prohibit online selling of chainsaws through a joint administrative order in view of the requirements of RA 9175 and DENR Administrative Order 2003-24 on sale, ownership and use of chainsaws.”
As of 2020, the agency has confiscated 2,970 chainsaws and other implements, including 1,646 units of conveyances used to transport undocumented forest products.
In the National Capital Region alone, 22 illegal chainsaws have been seized — 12 in Quezon City, seven in Caloocan City, two in Malabon City and one in Parañaque City.