Zubiri: Regulation, not total shell ban

 CEBU, Philippines - Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources head Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri clarified that he has not issued any proposal banning the export of shells and its by-products.

“I have not issued any proposal on the banning of the export of shells and shellcraft in the country as we are still investigating the circumstances of the particular case of the black corals, turtles and other marine life which were apprehended by the Bureau of Customs in Manila last May 1, 2011,” Zubiri said.

The senator said that the total shell ban proposal was put forward by Anna Oposa of the Law of Nature Foundation who attended the Senate Investigation of massive coral poaching.

“We are not for banning but we are for strict regulations of laws and also with the practice of self-regulation,” he said.

Zubiri said that he is not in favor on the proposal of Oposa because he believes many people will lose their businesses and livelihood.

He stated that instead of banning the export of shells and shellcraft the government should focus on strict regulation of its collection and export to make sure that poached items of endangered species will not escape the law enforcement agencies and regulators.

Zubiri authored Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation Act which prohibits the sale of endangered species and the destruction of its habitats.

He added that he will be the first to file charges against these exporters and industry officials who will violate the law and he hopes that everybody should be aware of the environmental laws because ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Zubiri also promised to look into reported moves to transfer a Customs Police official in Cebu to Davao City for refusing a P2-million bribe in exchange for the release of black corals valued at P15 million.

Customs Police Division commander Capt. Jerry Arizabal was responsible for the seizure of 156 sacks of black corals valued at P15 million from a cargo ship docked at Pier 7 in Cebu City.

Arizabal and his men searched the M/V Lorcon Voyage 20 of Lorenzo Shipping and found the corals inside a 10-footer container van.

Reports said that Arizabal was offered P2 million in exchange for the release of the seized corals and he refused.

Black corals are found in seas all over the world. They are common in depths of 300 meters and grow in tree or bush-like forms.

Under Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Administrative Order No. 202, Series of 2000, harvesting and trade of Black corals is prohibited under Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species 1, of which the Philippines is a signatory.

Violators will be imprisoned from six months to two years and fined P2,000 to P20,000.

Black corals are mostly used for decoration, jewelry and fashion accessories. —/BRP - (THE FREEMAN)