The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday filed criminal charges against Exequiel Navarro, the consignee for the illegal shipment of black corals seized in Manila.
Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez also charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) Olivia Lim Lee, proprietress of the Zamboanga-based Lee and Lim Trading, who was identified by Navarro as the owner of the corals; one Ding Afeliano of JKA Transport System, the cargo-forwarding company of the shipment; and other officials, owners and employees of JKA; and Vicky’s Trucking, which transported the shipment to Zamboanga port.
The respondents were allegedly the ones behind the P35-million illegal shipment of 21,169 pieces of black corals, 161 stuffed sea turtles, and 7,340 pieces of rare sea shells confiscated by Customs Police at the Eva Macapagal Domestic Terminal in Pier 15, South Harbor Manila on May.
The BOC said the respondents violated Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 9147 or the Protected Wildlife Act of 2001.
Violation of RA 9147 is punishable by up to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to P1 million.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said they will create a panel that will handle the case.
She added those charged for smuggling black corals will be put on a watch list order.
Navarro has been cited in contempt for failing to attend the Senate committee on the environment's hearings on the case.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of the Senate committee on the environment, said Navarro had already confirmed his attendance but sent him text messages to excuse himself from attending.
The senator said Navarro would have been vital in getting to the bottom of corals and stuffed sea turtles confiscated by Customs Police.
Navarro has agreed to cooperate with authorities and give the names of the financiers of the coral poaching syndicate.
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