The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, represented by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Pili M. Papandayan, joined the first meeting of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) for 2025 held today at MBistro, Marawi City.

Forester Papandayan emphasized the PLGU’s firm commitment, under the leadership of Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., to actively support the anti-illegal logging campaign in the province. He announced that Governor Adiong has issued an Executive Order establishing Task Force Khalifa, which will serve as the PLGU’s counterpart to PAILTF in addressing illegal logging and related environmental violations in Lanao del Sur.

The meeting gathered key stakeholders, including Director Cader D. Indar Jr., Provincial Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government and PAILTF Chairperson; Forester Asmarie M. Labao, PAILTF Vice Chairperson and Provincial ENRE Officer of Lanao del Sur; a representative from the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Campo Ranaw; a representative of Butig Mayor Atty. Dimnatang L. Pansar; Chairman of the Lanao del Sur People’s Council, Prof. Noni Lao; and Station Manager of Radyo Pilipinas Marawi, Baeshora M. Sabdullah.

The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of government agencies, security forces, local leaders, civil society, and media to protect Lanao del Sur’s remaining forest cover and promote long-term environmental sustainability for future generations.