GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities seized wildlife species valued at approximately ₱8.9 million and arrested a 50-year-old man during an entrapment operation targeting alleged illegal wildlife trading in Barangay Bula, General Santos City, on the evening of October 20, 2026.
The operation, conducted at around 6 p.m. in Purok 5, Rajah Mudah, was carried out under Oplan Kalikasan by intelligence operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 12 (CIDG-12) Regional Headquarters, led by PMAJ Jenahmeel Toñacao, in coordination with the CIDG-12 Sarangani Provincial Field Unit, Police Station 6 of the General Santos City Police Office, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) in Sarangani.
Authorities arrested the suspect, identified only as alias Philip, a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Bula, after he was allegedly caught selling wildlife and found in possession of specimens without the necessary permits or documentation from the DENR.
57 birds among wildlife seized
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 57 birds, including species identified in the police report as:
- 20 Victoria crowned pigeons
- 35 parrots
- Two cockatoos
The seized wildlife was estimated to be worth approximately ₱8.9 million. Authorities said the specimens were reportedly sourced from Indonesia, although further details about their origin and the circumstances of their entry into the country were not provided in the initial report.
Operatives also recovered one genuine ₱1,000 bill and 499 pieces of ₱1,000 boodle money, which were reportedly used in the entrapment operation.
The seizure highlights concerns over the illegal wildlife trade, which can threaten vulnerable species, undermine biodiversity conservation, and expose animals to potentially harmful capture, transport, and confinement conditions.
Suspect faces charges under wildlife protection law
The suspect is currently under the custody of CIDG-12 and is set to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The law provides the framework for protecting and conserving wildlife resources and their habitats, regulating the collection and trade of wildlife, and penalizing prohibited activities involving protected species.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on whether additional individuals or networks may be involved in the alleged wildlife trade.
The case underscores the importance of coordinated enforcement among police and environmental authorities in disrupting illegal wildlife transactions and ensuring that wildlife specimens are handled in accordance with applicable conservation laws.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation and the legal process. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.