Authorities Arrest Single Mom for Planting and Selling Endangered Agarwood in Cebu
A single mom known as Sharon was arrested in Cebu after authorities found that she had been growing and selling endangered agarwood.
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation Cebu District Office conducted the operation after receiving information that agarwood seedlings were being offered for sale online. The arrest took place at her home in Sangat, San Fernando, where the plants were discovered in her backyard garden.
Sharon, who originally came from Davao Oriental, had been living in Cebu for some time. She started planting agarwood in 2019, carefully tending the trees as they slowly grew. She explained that the plant needs fertile soil and a cool environment to grow.
According to investigators, the seeds and young seedlings were obtained from a supplier based in Basilan. Although she had planted them years ago, the trees had only recently matured enough to be sold.
During the operation, authorities seized more than 1,000 agarwood seedlings. The total estimated value of the confiscated plants reached around P300,000. Depending on their size and quality, each seedling could sell for a few hundred to one thousand pesos.
Fully grown agarwood is known to be extremely valuable in the international market because it is typically used in luxury perfumes and traditional medicine.
Officials said Sharon may face charges under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This law imposes heavy fines and possible imprisonment for those who collect, trade, or transport endangered species without proper permits.
While planting and selling agarwood is not entirely banned, it requires registration and approval from the proper authorities.
Authorities reminded the public to always check the legal status of plants and wildlife before starting any related business. Securing the right permits helps avoid serious legal problems and supports efforts to protect endangered species.
In another post, P3 million worth of agarwood seized from illegal traders in Quezon City
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