Case Study #2

The Narra tree is also known as rosewood and as well, the national tree of the Philippines. Its
origin is in Southeastern Asia and is dispersed all over the tropics. The said trees are known all over the
world and not only in the Philippines. As well, its reddish hardwood are the most valuable timbers.
Sadly, it is now an endangered species and the reason is that smugglers and loggers exported hundsres
of thousands of Narra wood all over the world back in 1985.

According to the findings of Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation Inc. back in
2009, Narra is on the brink of extinction and only the most determined and persistent conservation
campaign will preserve it. With that being said, the Philippine government became aware of this
situation and of course, took action.

In the Presidential Decree No. 705 also known as Revised Forestry Code penalizes three
categories of acts: (1) cutting, gathering, collecting or removing timber or other forest products from any
forest without authority; (2) cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing timber from alienable or
disposable public land or from private land without authority; and (3) possession of timber or other
forest products without legal documents as required under existing forest laws and regulations.

Whereas in the article entitled “Wanted: Dead Heroes”, Rick is having a dilemma whether he
should report the illegal loggers. Although the accused are in military uniform, they know that what they
did is unlawful as Rick informed them. The excuse of the accused, named as Alonzo is that they will sell
the logs in order to have funds to bury their comrades and offer something to the families of the
grieving. While the excuse is morally right, their action did not justify their means.

Alonzo could have asked the government for support but what he did was a complete disgrace
to our law and was even caught red handed. Whereas, if I were in Rick’s shoes given that the people are
armed and my life is at stake, I will let them pass. But I will secure evidences such as photos and
recordings taken secretly in order to protect his dear life. After doing such precautionary measure, he
might as well report what he has seen as soon as he can to the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) while giving background of a seemingly dangerous situation that he encountered
earlier. At the same time, he could ask for protection while testifying against the accused.

Justice maybe delayed but will always be served at the right circumstance.