Zubiri wants cargo firm probed for illegal lumber shipment

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday asked authorities to determine whether the Zamboanga-based cargo-forwarding company involved in the illegal shipment of P35 million worth of black corals and other endangered marine species also shipped other illegal contraband like lumber. "I would suggest to the Bureau of Customs and to the Philippine Ports Authorirty, as well as maritime police, to come up with an investigation on JKA Transport to see (if they) had any sort of materials that they misdeclared," Zubiri said during the day's environment committee hearing. He issued the statement after Exequiel Navarro, the consignee of the illegal coral shipment, indicated that JKA Transport System may have also delivered cargos which contained lumber. Navarro, however, immediately noted that the lumber he was referring to were not raw materials but finished furniture. But Zubiri did not believe him, saying that the cargo firm seems "notorious." "Wag po kayo magsinungaling (Don't lie). If this is lumber, they must have declared it as something else. If that is lumber, they have to go though the DENR for documentation," said the senator. "Itong JKA na to (JKA) is probably being used to transport illegallly poached contraband," said Zubiri, adding that he doesn't believe that the firm doesn't have any accomplice in Metro Manila. Current charges JKA Transport System was the company tapped by Li and Lim Trading to ship 163 stuffed hawkbills and green turtles; 21,169 pieces of black corals; 7,340 pieces of Trumpet and Helmet shells and 196 kilograms of sea whips. The items were declared as raw rubber. Last Friday, the BOC filed a string of criminal charges against the individuals involved in the shipment, including Navarro. In its complaint, the BOC said the respondents violated the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (Republic Acct 8550) which bans coral exploitation and exportation; and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Administrative Order 158 that prohibits the gathering, taking, collecting, transporting or possession of endangered species of mollusks. The respondents are also charged with violation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act 9147 ) for the shipment of the contraband. Violation of RA 9147 is punishable by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to P1 million. As of posting time, the Senate hearing was ongoing. - RSJ, GMA News