Vietnamese woman nabbed in Northern Samar for agarwood possession

TACLOBAN CITY –– A Vietnamese woman was arrested by local policemen of Allen town in Northern Samar for possession of agarwood on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Hong Dinh Thi Bich, 39, did not resist arrest.

Her companion, who was not identified, managed to escape during the operation conducted by the municipal and provincial headquarters of the Philippine National Police and agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Seized from the suspect were 10.9 kilograms of agarwood, accessories for making agar beads, and cash amounting to P15,000.

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 mould.

Agarwood is sought after primarily for its warming qualities and for its soothing effects when burnt as incense. The powdered form of the species is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, and anorexia.

The suspect was detained at the provincial CIDG office in Catarman pending the filing of charges for violations of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code, and RA 9147 known as the Wildlife Act of 2001.

LZB