Authorities here stopped the illegal transportation of wildlife species during a checkpoint operation at Barangay Tambler in General Santos City on 1 April 2026.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), two suspects were held for illegally transporting these wildlife species in violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The arrest stemmed from a report received at around 9:00 PM on 1 April, prompting authorities to conduct verification and inspection.
Upon interception of a Suzuki minivan, law enforcement officers discovered multiple makeshift cages containing various wildlife species.
The suspects failed to present any permits or documents authorizing the transport and possession of the animals, leading to their immediate apprehension.
An inventory confirmed the presence of several protected and exotic species, many of which are endemic to Indonesia, including Moluccan cockatoos (𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴), yellow-crested cockatoos (𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘴), palm cockatoos (𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘴), Bornean white-bearded gibbons (𝘏𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘴), Bearcats or binturong (𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨), and a Victoria crowned pigeon (𝘎𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢). The Initial assessment showed that the rescued wildlife included five Moluccan cockatoos, six yellow-crested cockatoos, four Bornean white-bearded gibbons, and two bearcats. One Moluccan cockatoo and one Victoria crowned pigeon were found dead, underscoring the risks and cruelty associated with illegal wildlife transport.
At around 12:14 AM on 2 April, the Philippine National Police formally turned over the apprehended wildlife to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of General Santos City in Barangay Buayan for proper care, documentation, and disposition. The suspects remain under police custody, with appropriate charges being prepared. Authorities continue to urge the public to report illegal wildlife trade activities and support ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and enforce environmental laws.