GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities halted a major wildlife trafficking attempt after intercepting a motorized banca loaded with exotic and protected species, leading to the arrest of six individuals during a coordinated maritime operation along the coastline of Bagong Katilingban, Lower Makar, on December 7, 2025.
The General Santos City Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), together with Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 12 and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)–General Santos City, launched the operation following a tip from a concerned citizen about a vessel allegedly carrying Indonesian nationals and wildlife cargo.
The following day, December 8, operatives successfully intercepted the unmarked double-engine boat believed to have originated from Indonesia. Six individuals were arrested, while one suspect—identified as boat operator “Cam,” 43, of Mabila, Sarangani—remains at large. The nationality of the arrested individuals is currently being verified by the Bureau of Immigration.
Authorities documented an extensive haul of protected and exotic fauna, including:
- 1 Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)
- 15 Leopard Tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis)
- 5 Sulcata Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata)
- 37 Blue-Tongued Skinks (Tiliqua scincoides) — 12 found dead
- 1 Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
- 3 Blood Pythons (Python brongersmai)
- 4 Reticulated Pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) — one dead; another with severe spinal deformity (kink)
- 4 Green Tree Pythons (Morelia viridis)
- 3 Indonesian Pit Vipers (Trimeresurus insularis)
- 4 Madagascar Ground Boas (Acrantophis madagascariensis)
- 1 Snow Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Authorities also seized the undocumented motorized boat and 21 boxes of assorted dry goods containing clothing, personal effects, and food supplies.
According to prevailing market prices of exotic and illegally traded species, the estimated total value of the seized wildlife is around ₱1,000,000, highlighting the high-profit nature of transboundary wildlife trafficking and the growing threat these networks pose in Southern Mindanao.
The arrested individuals face charges for violating Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and possible violations of the Philippine Immigration Act (CA 613).
All confiscated wildlife were immediately turned over to DENR–CENRO General Santos City for proper care, documentation, and eventual disposition.
PNP-Maritime Group Director PBGEN Lou F. Evangelista praised the operation, saying it reflects the government’s intensified maritime law enforcement efforts:
“This operation is clear proof of our active vigilance in Philippine waters. We will not allow illegal activities—wildlife trafficking, smuggling, or immigration violations—to pass through our seas. This success embodies the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas: united, responsive, and uncompromising against illegal operations.”
Under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief of the PNP, the Maritime Group continues to bolster border security and anti-smuggling operations to ensure that Philippine waters remain safe, protected, and free from criminal exploitation.
Authorities reaffirmed that operations across the Sarangani Bay area will continue to intensify as illegal wildlife trafficking networks become more aggressive and sophisticated.