Online seller nabbed for selling endangered Philippine ducks

An online seller was arrested by authorities after attempting to sell Philippine ducks, a vulnerable species, along the National Highway in Purok Maharlika, Barangay Bagontapay, M’lang, Cotabato, on 23 October 2025.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the suspect was apprehended in an anti-wildlife trade entrapment operation after agents posed as online buyers.

The joint operation was carried out by the DENR-12 Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Matalam, the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU 12), and the M’lang Municipal Police Station.

The suspect was charged with violating Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, in relation to Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Authorities said the operation stemmed from a report by a student who saw a Facebook Marketplace post offering Philippine ducks for P1,800 each. The post featured a photo of the species with a caption that read, “Try lang kung may gusto sa wilduck or dakit may available pa,” inviting interested buyers.

Following coordination between DENR offices and RACU 12 in Kidapawan City, an entrapment was set up by the Cotabato Provincial Cyber Response Team (CPCRT-RACU 12) led by PCPT Jonie Ocampo, with assistance from M’lang Police Chief Lt. Col. Realan E. Mamon and DENR personnel. The operation resulted in the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the wildlife.

The Philippine duck, endemic to the Philippines, is listed as “Vulnerable” under DAO 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories. Under RA 9147, illegal trading, collection, or possession of wildlife and their by-products is punishable by imprisonment of six months and one day to one year and/or fines ranging from P1,000 to P100,000.

The confiscated ducks are now under the temporary custody of the M’lang Municipal Police Station while authorities continue their investigation.