Alleged illegal logger hacks forest ranger dead in Palawan

September 5, 2019

A Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) forest ranger was hacked to death Wednesday afternoon by an alleged illegal logger in Palawan. 

Authorities identified the victim as Bienvenido Severino Veguilla, a 44 year-old DENR forest ranger in El Nido, Palawan.

Veguilla sustained hack wounds in the head after being attacked by suspect identified as Fernan Flores. 

According to a police report, Veguilla along with the five other park rangers of DENR Law Enforcement Team 4 of DENR-CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) Taytay and El Nido Office were conducting patrol around 5  pm in Sitio Kinagawan, Barangay Pasadena following a report of alleged illegal logging.. 

When the team arrived, they caught suspects Flores, Cardo Fulgencio, and Glen Fulgencio cutting logs and lumber using a chainsaw. The three fled,  leaving their equipment which Veguilla and his team seized. 

They were returning to their office when the suspects, armed with a bolo and homemade shotgun, blocked their way. 

"As a result, the victim was cornered by Carding Fulgencio, Glen Fulgencio and Fernan Flores while three other cohorts were armed and positioned near the place of the incident," Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Police Regional Office spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Aries Faltado said. 

Police said Veguilla was able to fire at the suspects after being hacked. 

Five suspects remain at large while Flores was nabbed and bought to hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS