33 animals recovered in Palawan anti-illegal wildlife trade operation

CALAPAN CITY — Four people were arrested and 33 live animals were recovered during an operation against illegal wildlife trading in Taytay, Palawan, authorities said Sunday.

The operation was conducted on Friday in Sitio Ibangley, Barangay Abungan, Taytay, by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), together with the City Mobile Force Company, Police Station 1 of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, Peace and Security Cluster, Naval Intelligence and Security Group, and the Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Authorities said the operation stemmed from information about the alleged illegal sale of wildlife. An undercover police officer initially arranged a controlled transaction at the Puerto Princesa International Airport.

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The poseur-buyer purchased one live turtle from one of the suspects, but the transaction involving a Palawan peacock-pheasant could not immediately proceed because the bird was reportedly not yet in the suspect’s possession.

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The suspect later agreed to present the bird at another location. The transaction was moved to Sitio Ibangley, where the live Palawan peacock-pheasant was presented at 7:49 p.m.

The four suspects were later arrested.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of 33 live wildlife specimens: one Palawan stink badger, eight blue-naped parrots, 20 turtles, two otters, one adult lizard and one Palawan peacock-pheasant.

Also recovered were P16,000 in marked money, several cellular phones and a red car, the police said.

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The suspects and recovered wildlife were brought to the PCSD office for proper handling and disposition. Authorities said a formal complaint for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, will be filed.

Police Regional Office – Mimaropa Regional Director Brig. Gen. Christopher R. Dela Cruz commended the operating personnel and partner agencies for the operation.

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“Palawan’s wildlife is part of our natural heritage, and protecting it is a responsibility we all share,” Dela Cruz said.

He said the regional police office will continue supporting lawful operations aimed at protecting wildlife and enforcing environmental laws.

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The operation highlighted the continuing coordination between law enforcement and environmental agencies in addressing illegal wildlife trade and protecting Palawan’s biodiversity, authorities said. /gsg