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ORMOC CITY––A local businessman is facing charges for allegedly selling on Tuesday pieces of Agarwood, an endangered tree species in Barangay 1, Jaro town, Leyte.
Pacquito Gebe, 59, was arrested in an entrapment operation inside his residence, said Major Ryan Delima, chief of the Jaro Police Station.
Seized from Gebe were about four kilos of Agarwood worth P50,000.
Gebe was detained at the local police station pending the filing of charges for violations of the Forestry Reform Code and the Wildlife Act of 2001.
The Agarwood were turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Palo, Leyte.
Agarwood, aloeswood, or gharuwood is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in incense, perfume, and small carvings. It forms in the heartwood of aquilaria trees when they become infected with a type of mold.
Agarwood is sought after for its warming qualities and its soothing effects when burnt as incense. The powdered form of the species is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, and anorexia.