Government team probing priest over ivory trade barred

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) began their investigation on a priest’s ivory collection by visiting his convent and residence in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City on Friday.
But the investigating team was not allowed to enter the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, the Society of the Angels of Peace (SAP) and Msgr. Cristobal Garcia’s residence because they were accompanied by news reporters, said DENR information officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo.
DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo said they learned that Garcia was confined in a hospital so they decided to defer interviews with him. A National Geographic article in the magazine’s October issue on the illegal ivory trade mentions Garcia.
Lawyer Bryan Christy, the author of “Ivory Worship,” alleged that the priest gave him pointers on how to smuggle items made of ivory, which has been banned for 22 years.
DENR-Central Visayas executive director Isabelo Montejo said in a press statement that the investigation will not only focus on Church officials but will also include private persons and shops in Central Visayas.
“We will determine if these pieces … have the needed certifications or permits from appropriate agencies,” he added.
Adobo said the DENR has information on other areas and other ivory collectors, but he refused to give names.
He said the owners of items made of ivory should be able to show that they bought these from legal sources.
“If not, they would be liable under the anti-fencing law. They can’t say that they do not know the law,” said Adobo during a press conference at the DENR-Central Visayas office on Friday.
Those who possess raw ivory must be able to present documents certifying that the item comes from a legal source. Owners of finished products need only to show a receipt or proof of purchase from a legitimate source.
The investigation team will involve wildlife research personnel who can determine if the item is made of real ivory.
Since DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing is expensive, investigators will have to resort to applying heat to the item to determine if it is made of ivory and not plastic or resin.
Adobo said they are inviting other organizations to join the investigating team such as the National Museum, which has expertise on heritage items, and the Bureau of Customs and other agencies specified in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) management team.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/09/29/government-team-probing-priest-over-ivory-trade-barred-245470
Frequently visited resort hotel in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone shares news, articles, suggestions and ideas on matters that might enhance your visit to Subic and Clark Pampanga for vacation and travel, as well as to organize, plan or attend a corporate or social event near Manila.

Where to stay in Clark, Philippines?

Voted Best Hotel in Clark Pampanga, this beach resort is a semi-private establishment located in the central business district near shopping, business, entertainment, airport and other conveniences of Philippines Clark Freeport Zone. This 13 hectare lake beach resort near Manila Philippines is a place of leisure that is highly recommended for family tourists with children or couples and individuals hoping to relax and enjoy peace and quiet in a laidback American suburban lifestyle.

Adding to the charm and attractiveness of this resort hotel in Clark Philippines are certain unique factors including safety, a keen sense of security and privacy that the main zone of Clark Freeport Zone offers. Angeles Philippines, Subic or Manila cannot offer the same sense of security like Clark Philippines. Clearwater is one of the best hotels in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila. Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Philippines Travel Guide just unveiled recommendations and tips for safe and secured destinations during Holy Week and Easter Holidays in Philippines, Pampanga, Angeles City, Subic and Clark. The report covers highly recommended resorts and hotels in North Luzon, nice getaway destinations for families with children to enjoy activities in the outdoor, secured, safe and convenient place for tourists to relax and unwind, luxurious restaurants offering privacy and good ambience, best clubs in Pampanga and resto bars in Angeles City, pubs in Clark and fine dining restaurants in Pampanga, frequently visited places as well as historical sites in Angeles City, Pampanga, Clark Philippines.

Clearwater is generally regarded as is a place of leisure and the best private resort in Pampanga. This Clark hotel is the most frequently visited private resort outside Manila for corporate planning and team building because of its exclusivity. Clearwater is well regarded among frequent visitors to Clark as one of the best resorts in Pampanga. This is also one of the best resorts in Pampanga that offers good picnic spots near Manila.

Pampanga is an important province of the Philippines slated to be the next business and tourism center of the country. Already international traffic prefers the Clark International Airport and tourists find Clark Freeport Zone easier to get around than Manila. Safety, low crime rate, no traffic and low pollution levels all contribute to making Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone a preferred destination for local and international tourists. Clearwater Resort is generally regarded as one of the best holiday spots near Manila.

For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)