International group to probe smuggling of sea turtles

MANILA, Philippines- An international enforcement organization has reportedly taken interest in reports on the killing and smuggling of 158 sea turtles (pawikan) and other endangered marine species that were about to be shipped to China and Europe.

A Bureau of Customs (BOC) official, who requested anonymity, said the international group has asked for information with the intent of conducting its own probe since initial reports hinted that an international syndicate could be behind the smuggling of these endangered marine species from the Philippines.

Reports said the smuggled items were supposed to be transported to China and Europe and could be regarded as a “significant transnational organized crime.”

The international group “is considering the possibility that the BOC’s apprehension of black corals, variety of seashells and pawikans might not be the first time… it just so happened that it was the first time that such a large shipment was intercepted,” the BOC official said.

“They want to know who is behind this, if it is a local or international syndicate,” the official added.

Last April 29, the BOC-Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) received a tip that the endangered marine species were being shipped out of Cotabato and that it would arrive at the Eva Macapagal Terminal at the South Harbor in Manila on May 1.

ESS director Nestorio Gualberto said the marine species could have been taken from different areas and were just consolidated in Cotabato.

At first, Customs agents thought that the two 20-footer container vans only contained black corals and seashells, but they were surprised to find 158 sea turtles, their underside slit open and internal organs removed, stashed there.