Importance of Pest-Free Status
- Mango Pulp Weevil and Mango Seed Weevil are injurious pests that damage mango fruits.
- Their eradication is crucial for protecting the mango industry and facilitating export.
- Socio-economic improvement of mango stakeholders is expected from enhanced domestic and export sales.
Regulation on Movement of Mango Materials
- Prohibition on movement, transfer, and carrying of mango planting materials, fruits, or parts into Sarangani and General Santos.
- Limited movement allowed only for experimental purposes with prior permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry Director or authorized representative.
Enforcement and Assistance
- Director of Bureau of Plant Industry empowered to call on national, provincial, municipal, barangay officials and Armed Forces in Sarangani and General Santos for enforcement.
- Aim is to maintain the area free status through effective plant quarantine measures.
Role of Transport Companies
- Land, water, and air transportation companies prohibited from carrying mango materials into the regulated areas unless covered by authorized permit under Section 2.
Penalties for Violations
- Violators face penalties under Section 23 of PD 1433 including fines up to Php 20,000.00.
- Imprisonment ranging from prision correccional to prision mayor, or both fines and imprisonment at the court's discretion.
- Penalties also apply for forgery, counterfeiting, alteration, defacement, or destruction of quarantine documents.
Repeal and Effectivity
- This Special Quarantine Administrative Order supersedes and revokes any previous orders or issuances inconsistent with its provisions.
- The order takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication as mandated by law.