( CNN ) -- A priest known for his collection of religious art is under investigation for possible involvement in the illegal ivory trade , according to a Philippine law enforcement agency . Monsignor Cristobal Garcia was quoted in the October issue of National Geographic directing a reporter to ivory carvers and traders , and also dispensing advice on how to smuggle the banned item into the United States . According to the National Geographic article , Garcia told the journalist , Bryan Christy , to wrap ivory in `` old , stinky underwear and pour ketchup on it , '' to disguise it as a soiled piece of clothing to get it through U.S. customs . He was with the Cebu Archdiocese when he allegedly made his remarks to the magazine . This caught the Philippines authorities ' interest . Garcia was known as `` one of the best known ivory collectors in the Philippines , '' according to National Geographic . An investigation concerning Garcia is ongoing , said Sixto Comia , the chief of the environmental and wildlife investigation division of the National Bureau of Investigation . Garcia has not been charged with any crime and his collection has not been confiscated . Comia said the agency takes illegal trade of ivory seriously . Elephants , valued for their tusks , are being killed in Africa at an alarming rate by well-armed poachers , according to conservation groups . The highly coveted ivory tusks are often traded in Asia , where there is high demand -- especially in China and Thailand . National Geographic described Garcia owning a `` mini-museum '' filled with ivory religious figures . Garcia was removed from his position in June stemming from a U.S. case in the 1980s , said Monsignor Achilles Dakay , the Cebu archdiocese media liaison officer . National Geographic 's article alluded to a dismissed lawsuit filed against Garcia when he served as priest in Los Angeles in the 1980s for sexual abuse of an altar boy . The Cebu Archdiocese released a statement Wednesday saying that Garcia 's past `` has been elevated to the Holy See , '' the Vatican City government of the Catholic Church . `` The Church is also aware of the gravity of the crime of pederasty . In recent pronouncements , the Church has stated her regret for the failure to address the problem in a more decisive and effective way , '' according to the Archdiocese statement . Garcia has since taken ill , Dakay said , and is unable to be reached for comment . The church 's statement , attributed to Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma , also condemned the ivory trade , saying , `` the Church does not condone ivory smuggling or other illegal activities , although in the past , ivory was one of the materials used in the adornment of liturgical worship . '' The church also stated that Garcia has rights to a `` fair and just hearing '' on the ivory trade allegations . The church said the National Geographic Magazine story `` needs to be assessed as to its veracity , considering that the article smacks of bias against religious practices . ''
A quote in the National Geographic article mentions Garcia in the investigation . Monsignor Critobal Garcia allegedly gave testimony on the ivory . Garcia has been removed from his religious duties on a corruption allegation .