DENR: 55 illegal traders caught, nearly 400 live animals seized January-August 2026

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified its crackdown on illegal wildlife trading following the apprehension of 55 illegal traders and 394 live animals seized in operations held from January to August this year.

“Through sustained enforcement, strengthened coordination, proper investigation and case preparation, we remain committed to ensuring that violations of our wildlife laws are addressed and that our country’s wildlife resources are protected,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna in a statement.

Of the 394 illegally traded animals seized, there are 224 birds, 97 reptiles, 54 amphibians, and 10 mammals, nine arachnids and insects.

A joint DENR and PNP buy-bust operation in General Santos City seized two endangered southern rufous hornbills (Buceros mindanensis) in July. Avian species have driven enforcement efforts this year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all confiscated wildlife, with parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, cockatiels, and macaws topping the list. Photo: DENR-SOCCSKSARGEN

Birds constituted over half of the overall seizures, driven largely by parrot species—including macaws, cockatiels, and cockatoos—in Visayas and Mindanao, while lovebirds made up the majority of confiscations in Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley, the DENR said.

Among the seized reptiles, there are 79 lizards, mostly geckos and iguanas. There are also 17 snakes such as pythons and venomous vipers; and a single caiman.

Concerned citizens urged to notify DENR

The 2026 operations follow a high-volume year in 2025, when authorities confiscated 976 wild animals - including Visayan leopard cats and palm civets - alongside nearly 7,000 orchids and 255 tropical plants at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the DENR said.

“Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility, but the DENR will continue to strengthen enforcement and work with our law-enforcement partners and the public to protect our wildlife and ensure that our environmental laws are effectively implemented,” said Cuna.

DENR personnel in General Santos City rescue animals including cockatoos, gibbons, a bearcat, and a Western crowned pigeon from a minivan that was intercepted after a tip-off from concerned citizens. Case filings are being prepared against the suspects. Photo: DENR Region 12

The agency encourages citizens to report any suspected poaching, unlawful keeping, or commercial trade of wild animals.

Tip-offs can be submitted to local DENR regional social media pages, emailed to actioncenter@denr.gov.ph, texted or called in via 0939-9180169 and 0939-9380876, or reported directly through the 8888 Citizens' Complaint Hotline. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA News