Another illegal coral seizure in Cebu

[Harlequinmania]

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Some of the corals discovered in the raid had already been bleached and left to dry, while others sat in shallow pools of water.  The reports suggest most of these corals were likely destined for curio trade or as "filling material" (the reports did not clarify this statement).

Sec. 91 of the Philippine Republic Act 8550, the Fisheries Code of 1998 states: Ban on Coral Exploitation and Exportation. - It shall be unlawful for any person or corporation to gather, possess, sell or export ordinary precious and semi-precious corals, whether raw or in processed form, except for scientific or research purposes.

Sadly, these types of seizures are not uncommon.  This raid is a relatively small one in the Philippine's history; In fact, just earlier this month (March 10, 2011), Cebu officials seized 1.4 tons of illegal corals.

Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands.

 

sources: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2011/03/28/task-force-seizes-rare-sea-corals-147249   and http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=9246

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