Lt. Col. Paniza's insinuation following the recent ambush that the NPA is protecting illegal logging is a pathetic excuse that finds no resonance with the public. Clearly, Lt. Col. Paniza's job is to lie and also to be silent -- in this case, about the big time loggers in Laak who are active and former members of the Philippine National Police-Davao del Norte and Laak politicians widely known as the "Big 4." Backed-up by an AFP general, the Big 4 is amply protected and tolerated by the PNP and the AFP. Logging trucks of the Big 4 loaded with freshly cut logs routinely pass in full view of 10th ID detachments within the vicinity of the 9th SF Coy headquarters, and in front of the 60th IB HQ in Dona Andrea, Asuncion in Davao del Norte.
Ngunit alam na alam ng mamamayan na ang nag-oopereyt na malalaking "illegal loggers" tulad ng "Big 4" ay may proteksyon ng isang heneral ng AFP at kakutsaba ng Philippine Army at Philippine National Police.