General Santos City, August 22, 2025 — Authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 2,000 wild spiders through the General Santos International Airport, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign against illegal wildlife trade.
The joint operation was conducted at around 3:10 p.m. Friday by personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 – CENRO General Santos, assisted by the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) and airport security screeners.
During inspection at the Cebu Pacific Air Cargo facility, officials discovered a total of 1,902 wild spiders (Neoscona spp.) hidden inside an outbound cargo box bound for Iloilo. The shipment was immediately seized for violating Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The confiscated spiders were turned over to the DENR for proper disposition, while authorities prepared documentation to pursue legal proceedings against those behind the attempted transport.
AVSEGROUP Director, PBGEN Jay R. Cumigad, commended the swift coordination of security personnel and environmental enforcers, stressing the broader significance of the interception.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to curb illegal wildlife trade, recognizing that every successful enforcement effort not only upholds the law but also protects our nation’s rich biodiversity for future generations,” Cumigad said.
Authorities reminded the public that trading, collecting, or transporting wildlife without proper permits is a punishable offense, as it threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecological balance.