Sarangani Province — Authorities intercepted a vehicle loaded with endangered hornbills during a routine checkpoint operation in Maasim town, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the rescue of 25 protected bird species.
At around 9:00 a.m. on September 27, 2025, personnel of the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), led by PCPT Abdulkadil A. Masil, and the Maasim Municipal Police Station flagged down a Mitsubishi Montero Sport (plate number NIJ-2514) at Sitio Seguil, Barangay Tinoto, Sarangani Province. The vehicle, bound for General Santos City, was found to be carrying several live birds.
Upon inspection, the driver failed to present any legal documents for the wildlife cargo. Responding officers immediately coordinated with Forest Protection Officer (FPO) Jalal P. Pantao of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Initial examination confirmed the birds as hornbills, locally known as kalaw.
Further verification by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Kiamba documented a total of 25 hornbills—six (6) Mindanao Writhed Hornbills and nineteen (19) Southern Rufous Hornbills with yellowish beak tips. The DENR Region XII enforcement team assisted in confirming the species.
Authorities estimated the market value of the confiscated hornbills at ₱470,000. The suspect, identified only as alias “Jr” or “Jay-Jay,” a 34-year-old resident of Vinzon Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur, was immediately informed of his constitutional rights and is now under the custody of Maasim Police.
The rescued hornbills were safely transported and turned over to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Purok Masagana, Barangay Blingkong, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat Province, for proper care, documentation, and disposition.
CENRO Kiamba confirmed that charges are being prepared against the suspect for violating Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which penalizes the illegal possession, transport, and trade of endangered species.
In a statement, the Sarangani Police Provincial Office emphasized its strong partnership with DENR in the continuing fight against illegal wildlife trade:
“We remain committed to enforcing environmental and wildlife protection laws to preserve biodiversity in the region,” the statement read.