Saturday, January 29, 2005
17 sailors out on bail
By Rose O. Verzosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
The 17 crew members of the boat that shipped P4.5 million worth of alleged illegally cut wood from Davao to Cebu were released from detention yesterday, after posting bail of P40,000 each.
Assistant City Prosecutor Bienvenido Mabanto, with the approval of City Prosecutor Ferdinand Peque, filed yesterday afternoon a criminal case against them before the Mandaue City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
They were accused of violating Presidential Decree 705, as amended by Executive Order 277, which penalizes persons found in possession of illegal forest products.
The 17 accused are Master Capt. Celestino Bernes, Chief Mate Ramon Saymo, Second Mate Ryan Abatayo, Renier Pormento, Ireen Cris Magabilin, Ginner Villace-ran, David Pacifico, Moises Jandayan III, Oliver Kent Javier, Rey Garde, Raymond Benitez, Cornelio Augis, Charlie Moleta, Altiro Fersebal, Mark Anthony Casero, C/E Roberto Palomo and Mdm. Melanio Sapalo.
RTC Executive Judge Marilyn Lagura Yap signed their release orders after lawyer Abelario Almario paid their bail, which amounted to P680,000.
The information stated that last Jan. 24, the accused conspired to gather, cut and collect timber and other forest products and they transported them on board mv Condor, owned by Goodwill Shipping, without any legal documents authorizing them to do so.
The forest products were estimated to be 208,095.77 board feet and valued at P4,578,090.
The ship was seized and is now docked at the FF Cruz Wharf, Pier 7, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City.
Environment Secretary Michael Defensor suspended 21 officials and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao and Cebu in connection with the shipment.
The shipment’s documents presented to the authorities had turned out to be recycled.
(January 29, 2005 issue)
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