The Bureau of Customs (BoC) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) prevented the illegal exportation of agarwood, a protected forest product considered endangered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Customs officials on Friday said that they discovered three parcels filled with agarwood, estimated to be worth P9,315,000.00, at a warehouse in Pasay City Wednesday, September 10.
The parcels were later physically examined, uncovering amounts of agarwood weighing 3.80 kilograms, 4.10 kilograms, and 4.52 kilograms.
The government agency stated that the attempted misdeclaration constitutes violations of Republic Act no. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), Republic Act No. 9174 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), and Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines).
The seized shipments were placed under the custody of BoC-NAIA for proper disposition, in coordination with the DENR for appropriate action.
BoC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphazised the significance of the operation, stating, "This interception reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the country's natural resources and preventing the illegal trade of endangered species. The Bureau of Customs will continue to intensify enforcement to protect biodiversity and ensure compliance with environmental laws."
Port of NAIA District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad stressed that through strict cargo monitoring and inter-agency collaboration, "BoC-NAIA ensures that our international gateways will not be exploited for the trafficking of illegal forest products."
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #illegalexportation
#agarwood
#BOC