TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office in Eastern Visayas is tightening its crackdown against illegal wildlife trade after a recent arrest of a wildlife trafficking suspect here.

Renato Soria, DENR-8’s enforcement division chief, said the suspect was arrested in a buy bust operation after he was caught selling five cockatiels without permits in violation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is an exotic bird species endemic to Australia where they are widely distributed across the Australian mainland, particularly favoring arid or semi-arid inland regions, where they are highly nomadic and travel in flocks to find water and food.

Soria said cockatiel does not naturally occur in the Philippines where the law trading and possession of exotic wildlife species are regulated and require proper permits from the DENR.

The buy bust operation was conducted jointly by the Maritime Police Station in Tacloban (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 8 (DENR-8) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)–Palo.

Sorial said that while cockatiels are commonly kept as pets, the sale, transport, and possession of such animals are strictly regulated under existing environmental laws.

He said interested pet collectors should check if the wildlife they intend to acquire is from legal and accredited sources to prevent the spread of illegal wildlife trade networks and ensure that species are not taken unlawfully.

Soria said individuals who engage in wildlife-related activities must secure the necessary documents such as certificate of wildlife registration, wildlife farm or culture permit, and transport permit from DENR.

He said failure to comply with these requirements could result in legal consequences, including penalties, fines, or imprisonment.