2 vans believed carrying coco lumber put on hold

Two container vans were yesterday held at the yard of a private courier at the North Reclamation Area for allegedly containing coconut lumber, whose shipment is currently declared illegal by authorities.

Originally though, the report received by the Philippine Coconut Authority-7 was 10 container vans onboard a ship from Ozamis City which docked yesterday morning.

Upon receiving the report from an informer, PCA-7 regional manager Deodiro Ravelo ordered Provincial Coconut Development Officer Delbert Barraquias to compose a team to coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation-7 to effect interception.

Last week, NBI-7 led by agent Arnel Pura intercepted a container van with 8,000 board feet of coconut lumber, which came from the same yard, through a tip directly given to the NBI office.

Yesterday’s shipment seemed to be a continuation of last week’s shipment, it was learned.

According to the informer, “10 vans containing coco lumber are onboard a ship coming from Ozamiz City.”

It also mentioned the leader of the sending party as well as the name of the Cebu party.

When PCA-7 and NBI-7 proceeded to the docking area, they were able to inspect two vans showing physical manifestations that the items inside the vans were more likely to be coco lumber.

“From the drippings to the smell from the inside, these are indeed coco lumber,” according to PCA-7.

NBI-7 operatives refused to open the suspected container vans at the docking area since according to them these are still “within the bounds of the Maritime Authority.” — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV