Illegally extracted corals recovered

CEBU, Philippines - Tons of illegally extracted corals in Lapu-Lapu City were seized last February 20 by the combined elements of Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -7.

Estimated to worth at least P45,000, the corals were seized by the team from NAVFORCEN and BFAR-7 while being dried in sitio Buot, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

The seized precious corals include fungia mushroom, acropora, black and blue.

Naval Special Operations Unit 5 personnel also defused three bottles of ammonium nitrate explosives believed to be intended for illegal fishing.

Five unidentified persons suspected to be responsible for hauling the corals were sighted by the team in the area but have managed to flee. The confiscated items are now in the custody of NAVFORCEN.

Meanwhile, the NAVFORCEN conducted a feeding program in barangay Bangbang, Cordova town.

At least 140 children benefited from the program, the first of the six feeding programs that NAVFORCEN will conduct every Saturday in Bangbang.

NAVFORCEN targeted the children of indigent families for the feeding program. The event is in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Mactan and Bangbang barangay council. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)