Section 15Sec./Art. 15

Penalties. - Whoever is found guilty of the acts prohibited under this Act or any rules and regulations issued by the Department pursuant to this Act or whoever is found guilty by competent court of justice of any of the offenses in the preceding section shall be penalized with a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), exclusive of the value of the thing damaged, or imprisonment for not less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, as determined by the court: Provided, That the offender shall also be required to restore or compensate for the restoration to the damage: Provided, further, That the court shall order the eviction of the offender from the land and the forfeiture in favor of the government of all minerals, timber, or any species collected or removed including all equipment, devices and firearms used in connection therewith, or any construction or improvements made thereon by the offender.

If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager shall be directly responsible for the act of his employees and laborers: Provided, finally, That the DENR shall impose administrative fines and penalties it may deem fit and consistent with this Act.