4 linked to coral smuggling placed on DOJ watchlist

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has placed four people on its watchlist order after they were linked to the illegal shipment of P35-million worth of black corals and other endangered marine species to China.

The DOJ has placed on its watchlist Exequiel Navarro, the alleged consignee of the illegal shipment; Olivia Lim Li, the owner of the Zamboanga-based Li and Lim Trading; Kim L. Atillano, owner of the Zamboanga-based JKA Transport System; and Ireneo Penuliar, also of JKA.

They were named the subjects of an ongoing investigation after they were linked to the seizure of a large shipment of sea turtles, black corals and other endangered marine species by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the South Harbor in Manila last month.

The BOC said the shipment was about to be brought to China.

The seized shipment was declared as raw rubber but actually contained a total of 163 stuffed hawksbill and green turtles (pawikan); 21,169 pieces of black corals; 7,340 pieces of trumpet and helmet shells and 196 kilos of sea whips – all threatened species.

The BOC filed charges against the four, accusing them of violating the Fisheries Code of the Philippines, relative to the ban on coral exploitation and exportation; and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

The seizure also prompted the Senate to conduct an investigation on the extent of the illegal exportation of endangered marine species in the country.

Meanwhile, a government fact-finding team investigating the illegal shipments had discovered a warehouse in Zamboanga City allegedly being used to store the corals and other marine wildlife. – With Roel Pareño