In a major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-XI, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police-Tourist Police Assistance Center (PNP-TPAC) and the Philippine Coast Guard, apprehended two Indonesian nationals and three Filipinos caught red-handed while transporting trafficked wildlife. The swift action unfolded off the shores of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, thanks to the vigilance of a local official.
Barangay councilor Ronald C. Matinao of Barangay Pundaguitan first noticed the suspicious activity at around 6:30 PM on November 28, 2024. Spotting a drifting boat near the coast, he immediately alerted the PNP-TPAC and the Philippine Coast Guard. Authorities intercepted the vessel and brought it to Barangay Monserat, which had suitable docking facilities.
The DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Lupon joined the operation to process the arrest and inventory the rescued wildlife. By 9:30 PM, the five suspects were in custody, and an alarming collection of 95 wildlife specimens was discovered aboard the vessel. Tragically, 12 of the animals succumbed to the stress of the trafficking ordeal.
Endangered Wildlife Rescued
The operation led to the rescue of eight wildlife species, including birds and marsupials, many of which are endangered or critically endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. Among the confiscated animals were:
- Common Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus)
- Northern Cuscus (Phalanger orientalis)
- Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
- Moluccan Eclectus (Eclectus roratus)
- Red Lory (Eos rubra)
- Rainbow Lory (Trichoglossus haematodus)
- Long-crested Myna (Basilornis corythaix)
- Red-cheeked Parrot (Geoffroyus geoffroyi)
Six of these species are listed under CITES Appendix II as endangered, while one is classified as critically endangered under Appendix I. The trafficked animals have an estimated black-market value of ₱2,705,000.
The wildlife is currently housed at the Protected Area Management Office of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in San Isidro for safekeeping and further assessment.
Perpetrators Face Legal Repercussions
The five suspects, who were reportedly en route to Bislig, Surigao del Sur, from Indonesia, claimed their vessel ran out of fuel and drifted towards Pundaguitan. However, they now face charges for violating Section 27 (e) of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. Penalties include imprisonment of up to four years and fines of up to ₱300,000 for trafficking critically endangered species.
DENR-XI has vowed to press charges and continue its commitment to protecting biodiversity. “We are determined to bring those responsible to justice,” a DENR representative stated. “This incident highlights the importance of collaboration among government agencies and the community in preserving our wildlife heritage.”
A Community United Against Wildlife Trafficking
The successful operation underscores the critical role of community vigilance in combating environmental crimes. The quick actions of Barangay Pundaguitan’s councilor and the coordinated response from local and national authorities prevented significant ecological harm and sent a strong message against wildlife trafficking.
This operation is a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing wildlife and the ongoing efforts needed to safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity.
