M’LANG, COTABATO — Authorities arrested an online seller caught peddling three Philippine ducks (Anas luzonica), a vulnerable and protected species, in a joint anti-wildlife trade entrapment operation along the National Highway in Purok Maharlika, Barangay Bagontapay, M’lang, Cotabato, around 7:25 p.m. on October 23, 2025.
The suspect was apprehended through the combined efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12—through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Matalam—alongside the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU 12) and the M’lang Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the suspect violated Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act in relation to Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, after offering the endangered species for sale through Facebook Marketplace.
The operation was prompted by a report from a concerned student who spotted a post advertising the sale of “Philippine ducks” for ₱1,800 each. The post included a photo of the wildlife and the caption, “Try lang kung may gusto sa wilduck or dakit, may available pa,” encouraging interested buyers to purchase the birds.
Following coordination among DENR offices and RACU 12 in Kidapawan City, an entrapment was launched by the Cotabato Provincial Cyber Response Team (CPCRT-RACU 12) led by PCPT Jonie Ocampo, with the support of M’lang Police Chief PLTCOL Realan E. Mamon and DENR personnel. The operation resulted in the suspect’s arrest and the seizure of the three Philippine ducks.
The Philippine duck, which is endemic to the country, is classified as “Vulnerable” under DAO 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories. The species faces population decline due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade.
Under RA 9147, the illegal collection, possession, or trade of wildlife is punishable by imprisonment of six months and one day to one year and/or fines ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱100,000.
The confiscated ducks are now under the temporary custody of the M’lang Municipal Police Station pending turnover to the DENR for proper care and disposition. Authorities reminded the public that trading or keeping protected species without proper permits is a serious crime that contributes to the decline of the country’s native wildlife.
“This case serves as a warning that online platforms are being closely monitored for wildlife trafficking,” a DENR official said. “The protection of our endemic species is everyone’s responsibility.”