On 15 February 2026, operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group conducted an operation that led to the arrest of a man for the illegal sale of wildlife in Pasay City.

The entrapment operation, carried out in a public parking area along Taft Avenue, resulted in the recovery of a live ball python offered for sale online, along with items used to facilitate the transaction.

Authorities seized a backpack containing the live reptile, valued at around P7,000, a mobile phone allegedly used to arrange the sale, marked money, a glass enclosure, and documents presented to justify possession of the animal.

The suspect is facing charges under the country’s wildlife protection law and related statutes. Cases are being prepared for filing as investigators document and secure the evidence.

The PNP reminded the public that owning, selling, or transporting wildlife without proper permits is illegal. Authorities encouraged reporting of illegal wildlife sales online.