Bureau of Customs turns over seized black corals to BFAR

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs in Cebu yesterday turned over P15 million worth of black sea fan corals to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7, which BOC Cebu seized two weeks ago. 

BOC District Collector Ronnie Silvestre led the turnover of the 13,000 pieces of black corals to BFAR Regional Director Andres Bojos. Silvestre said the corals are now considered government property after they were forfeited in favor of the government last week.

No one claimed ownership of the shipment during the forfeiture procedure last week.

Two weeks ago, the Enforcement and Security Services headed by its chief, Jerry Arizabal, apprehended the 1x20 footer container van that contained the 168 bundles of dried black sea fan corals placed inside sacks. The shipment arrived at the Cebu Port on May 20.

The shipment was declared as "scrap metals" and consigned to “Cebu Junkshop,” which was later found to be fictitious.

Silvestre said the shipment violated Section 91 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Bojos said part of the shipment will be donated to educational institutions while the rest will be donated to some non-government organizations that are into environmental preservation.

"Some of the dried black corals kay ibalik na sa dagat, adto sa mga marine sanctuaries. Dili na na mabuhi ug balik but other marine life or species can breed there," Bojos said.

Black corals serve as food for some organisms within coral reefs and as shelter to other organisms. They can also be made into ornaments or jewelry.

Harvesting and trading of black corals are prohibited under BFAR Administrative Order No. 202, Series of 2000. – (FREEMAN)