The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) informed that its Task Force Aduana assisted in the implementation of a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the shipment of mineral ores onboard MV Van Knight.
The PCG’s Task Force Aduana detained the geared bulker Van Knight off the coast of Santa Cruz, a port town in the province of Zambales.
The action enforces a warrant issued by the Philippine Bureau of Customs for the vessel’s seizure and detention in connection with environmental permitting deficiencies related to the ship’s cargo.
As the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB) reported, the mineral ore export permit of the company had been suspended as of January 12 for alleged violation of a presidential decree on environmental management of mining activity.
By longstanding regulation, mining companies have to have an environmental compliance certificate from the DENR to export ore.
