Navy-led interagency team seized banned aquatic products in Zamboanga

Authorities on Thursday seized large quantities of banned aquatic products in a joint operation on warehouse in Magay Street, this City, the Western Mindanao Command reported on Saturday.

Navy and Task Force Zamboanga backed by NBI, PRO-9 and BFAR confiscated several shells, dried carapace of sea turtles and dried sea horse at Lian Huat depot, said Major Eugenio Batara Jr., WesMinCom spokesman.

“The seized marine products were considered or listed in the convention on International Trade on endangered species,” Batara said. “The apprehension was in line with the enforcement of many statutues.”

The depository area was reportedly owned and operated by Olivia Li and Tomas Lim. The seized items were now under the custody of NBI.

Under Section 97 of the Republic Act 8550 provides that is shall be unlawful to fish or take rare, threatened or endangered species.

Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208 Series of 2001 also states “it shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to take or catch or cause to be taken the specified fishery/aquatic shell species.”

Philippine Wildlife Act also prohibits the taking of sea turtles, as the species is recognized as endangered in the Philippines. DENR Memo Order No. 06 in conjunction with DENR Administrative Order No. 48 disallows exploitation activities related to marine turtles.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command has launched recently a campaign, which aims to detect, prevent and suppress violations of marine environmental laws in order to preserve and protect the environment.(HG)