Coco authority mulls case vs. courier for lumber release

The Philippine Coconut Authority is studying the possibility of filing a case against private courier 2GO for releasing two container vans of coconut lumber despite hold requests from PCA and the National Bureau of Investigation.

But before any concrete action, PCA Regional Manager Deodiro Ravelo said they will give 2GO, a courier service provider of Aboitiz Transport Service, a chance to explain why the two container vans were released despite the hold requests.

Container vans bearing numbers INBU 377522 and INBU 3801078-7 were held both by PCA and NBI last July 9 over information that 10 vans containing coconut lumber were on board the M/V Our Lady of Lourdes, which arrived from Ozamiz City on that day.

PCA and NBI were just eyeing two vans at the port area when the vans were brought to the 2GO container yard four kilometers from where the Our Lady of Lourdes was docked.

Upon advice by 2GO officials, the two agencies sent separate letter requests to 2GO Assistant Vice President Virgilio Mundo to have the cargo held for inspection.

However, the two agencies later found out that the two vans were released two hours after the letters were sent.

Jess Supan, Vice president for Safety and Security of ATS, earlier reasoned that the letter requests were not binding, contrary to the statement of Provincial Coconut Development Officer Delbert Barraquias who also said earlier that they were informed that even a faxed letter would suffice to have the cargo held.

2GO also reportedly assured the agencies that the cargo would be opened in their presence and in the presence of the consignee.

“Unless provided with an officially hold order, we are compelled to honor the Service Agreements and release shipments to customers,” Supan said.

Judd Sala, Corporate Communications Head of Aboitiz Transport Service, said they will just wait for the letter from PCA.

A week before the Our Lady of Lourdes shipment, NBI also seized 8,000 board feet of coconut lumber contained in one van, which was also transported by 2GO. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO