Navy intercepts mangrove bark shipment

A patrolling Navy ship intercepted yesterday a cargo vessel after it was discovered carrying tons of illegal harvested bakawan (mangrove) bark off the coast of Cebu.

Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, said the M/V Daniele Marie was intercepted in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The vessel was initially spotted by Navy gunboat PG396 while sailing off Lauis Point, San Fernando in Cebu at about 7 a.m. yesterday.

When elements of the Naval Special Operations Unit-5 boarded the vessel, it was found loaded with 230 tons of mangrove bark.

Transport and sale of mangrove trees and barks is prohibited by the DENR as the tree not only serve as natural protection against soil erosion but also serve as sanctuaries of various aquatic life.

Navy spokesman Lt. Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said that despite existing laws banning the harvesting of mangrove or its bark, some unscrupulous traders defy the law because they command a high price in the market.

"Yong balat kasi pag na-process ay first class na pangtina at yong kahoy naman ay matibay kasi water resistant (When processed, the bark is considered first class because it is used to make dyes and it is water resistant)," Bacordo said.

The cargo vessel and its unnamed personnel are now in the custody of the Navy Operating Base Mactan awaiting directives from the DENR.

Bacordo said they are still conducting an investigation in coordination with DENR personnel to determine the source and origin of the illegal cargo.

"Inaalam din natin kung sino ang shipper at saan at kung kanino ito dadalhin (We are also trying to determine who shipped the cargo and who are its supposed recipients)," Bacardo said.