TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Authorities arrested a 35-year-old man in a joint buy-bust operation for the illegal sale and possession of wildlife, resulting in the rescue of a live ball python and the seizure of counterfeit money, police said.
The suspect, identified by the alias “Ric,” a single resident of Toril, Davao City, was apprehended around 12:30 p.m. on January 4, 2026, at Pereyras Compound in Barangay Magugpo West, Tagum City. The operation was carried out by the combined forces of the Mabini Marine Law Enforcement Team (MLET) of the Davao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), the Tagum City Police Station, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–CENRO New Corella.
Police said the suspect was caught in the act of illegally selling a live yellow ball python, estimated to be worth ₱8,100. He was charged for violating Section 27(e) of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which penalizes the unauthorized sale, possession, and trade of wildlife species.
Recovered during the operation were the live ball python, a ₱100 bill used as buy-bust money, 13 pieces of counterfeit currency—three fake ₱1,000 bills and ten fake ₱500 bills—and a cellular phone allegedly used to facilitate the transaction.
Authorities said the suspect was immediately informed of his constitutional rights and given an Anti-Torture Warning in a language he understood. He and the seized evidence were brought to the Davao del Norte MARPSTA for proper documentation and further legal proceedings.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DENR reiterated their warning to the public that the sale, possession, and trafficking of wildlife are strictly prohibited under the law. Offenders, they said, will face stiff penalties as the government intensifies its crackdown on wildlife crimes and environmental violations.