CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Environment and Natural Resources Office is set to confiscate an estimated P1 million worth of mangrove bark, locally known as “tungong”, after its alleged owner failed to present proper documents.
CENRO officer-in-charge Richard Abella said yesterday that the shipment came from Zamboanga City and was headed for Tacloban, Ormoc, via Cebu City, where it was apprehended last February 15.
Abella said that the shipment was brought to their office pending seizure proceedings.
Abella said that he is now waiting for the endorsement by the hearing officer of the documents so that the shipment will be finally confiscated in favor of the government and disposed of in accordance with the law.
Under the existing laws, the cutting of mangrove trees is illegal.
Abella explained that the said shipment of mangrove bark was previously confiscated in favor of the government and already underwent a public bidding.
“This shipment was apprehended since it has no proper documents when it arrived here in Cebu City. Mga dinakpan ni nga mga mangrove barks unya gi-auction na ni unya ang nakapalit walay proper documents pag abot diri, mao ning gidakup na sad ug usab,” Abella said.