PCA sues woman for cutting coco fronds

CEBU, Philippines - A woman is facing criminal complaint before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for cutting coconut fronds without a permit from the Philippine Coconut Authority.

PCA provincial manager Emiliano Balios filed the complaint against Flora Ramos of Barangay Mayana, Barili, Cebu.

The complaint stemmed from a request filed by Antonia Biangos, 63, of the same barangay, seeking to take legal action against Ramos.

Balios said the respondent failed to secure the necessary permit from the PCA before cutting the palm fronds (coconut leaves). A written permit is required to cut palm fronds as provided for under the Republic Act 8048 otherwise known as the Coconut Preservation Act of 1995.

The alleged illegal cutting of fronds happened on March 8, 2003.

Biangos claimed that she learned about the illegal cutting on May 9 when she visited her farm. But a neighbor allegedly saw the suspect cutting it as well as several cacao plants.

Biangos reported the incident to the barangay but the suspect allegedly ignored the summons from the barangay captain. The suspect’s alleged refusal to face before the barangay prompted her to seek the PCA assistance.  (FREEMAN)