Seven Steps Method of Investigation of

Environmental Crimes
 1. Identify potential crimes and list elements

Illegal Logging Section 77 PD 705

Section 77. Unlawful possession of implements and devices used by forest officers.
1. Cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing timber or other forest products from
any forest land without authority cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing of
timber or other forest products from any forest land without authority
2. Cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing timber from alienable or disposable
public land5 or from private land cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing of
timber from alienable or disposable public land, or private land
 2. Apply evidence and make investigation plan

• Surveillance
• Checkpoints
• Patrol
 3. Gather initial evidence

• Actual logging photograph

• Certification of no permit to cut
• Apprehension report
• Inventory of seized items
• Receipt of items
• Witnesses affidavit
 4. Conduct Interviews

• Interview with witnesses

– Barangay
– Conveyors
– Residents
 5. Gather additional evidence

• Photos of deforested site

• Aerial reconnaissance photographs
• On site gathering
• Assistance from DENR- FMB
• Collect samples and submit to the laboratory
 6. Confront suspects

• Interrogate suspects
• Read them their rights
• Test buy
• Buy bust/ Entrapment
 7. Decide Charges

Illegal Logging Section 77 PD 705

Section 77. Unlawful possession of implements and devices used by forest officers.
1. Cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing timber or other forest products from
any forest land without authority cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing of
timber or other forest products from any forest land without authority
2. Cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing timber from alienable or disposable
public land5 or from private land cutting, gathering, collecting, or removing of
timber from alienable or disposable public land, or private land
SLAPP/ Citizen Suit