PNP, partner agencies recover 33 live wildlife specimens in Palawan

Authorities recovered 33 live wildlife specimens and arrested four people during an operation against the alleged illegal wildlife trade in Taytay, Palawan, the Philippine National Police said Wednesday.

The operation was conducted on 25 September in Sitio Ibangley, Barangay Abungan, following information on the alleged illegal sale of wildlife.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development led the operation, with support from the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, City Mobile Force Company, Peace and Security Cluster, Naval Intelligence and Security Group and Army Special Forces.

Authorities said the suspects allegedly presented live wildlife for a transaction.

Recovered were a Palawan peacock-pheasant, a Palawan stink badger, eight blue-naped parrots, 20 turtles, two otters and an adult lizard.

Marked money, cellular phones and a vehicle allegedly used in the transaction were also seized.

The arrested individuals and the recovered animals were turned over to the PCSD for proper handling and disposition.

Authorities are pursuing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

“Ang wildlife natin ay bahagi ng ating natural heritage, kaya hindi ito dapat tratuhin na parang ordinaryong kalakal,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“We will continue working with our partner agencies so that reports of illegal wildlife activities are acted upon properly and responsibly,” he added.