Lapu-lapu city: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday reported the recent interception of five packages of misdeclared Agarwood valued at PHP8,407,500 at a warehouse facility in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the packages, declared as Alingatong Stinging Nettle and weighing approximately 11.21 kilograms, were discovered on November 21 through the Port of Cebu - Subport of Mactan, thanks to the coordinated efforts of its intelligence and enforcement units.
The parcels, originating from Agusan del Sur, were intended for export to Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. The BOC reported that the parcels underwent physical examination, which was witnessed by representatives from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The inspection confirmed that the shipments contained Agarwood, a protected species regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and requiring proper DENR permits.
The interception underscores the Bureau of Customs' commitment to combating illicit trade, particularly in enforcing environmental and wildlife protection laws to ensure that protected species are not endangered and that natural resources remain safeguarded from unlawful activities, as stated by the BOC chief.
In response to the findings, Port of Cebu District Collector Alexandra Lumontad issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment pursuant to Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act; and other pertinent laws. Lumontad praised the collective efforts of the enforcement and intelligence units, expressing that the Port of Cebu is resolute against the illegal exportation of protected natural resources, reinforcing their dedication to law enforcement, environmental protection, and the responsible stewardship of the nation's biodiversity.
Subport of Mactan Collector Gerardo Campo highlighted the importance of the interception, noting that Agarwood trafficking undermines environmental protection efforts and fuels the illegal wildlife and fauna trade. He emphasized that this successful operation demonstrates the vigilance, coordination, and commitment of BOC teams in curbing the illicit movement of regulated species.
