P5.5M in protected wildlife species seized, Indonesian arrested in Sarangani - PNP

Authorities arrested an Indonesian national and rescued over P5.5 million worth of protected wildlife species in Sarangani last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said the operation was carried out on June 4 by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), other police units, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-MENRO) of Sarangani.

Law enforcers recovered several protected wildlife species which were allegedly possessed and traded without the permits required under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which regulates the collection, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife and wildlife by-products.

The arrested Indonesian national is facing appropriate charges for alleged violation of RA 9147.

“Ang tagumpay na ito ay bunga ng mahusay na koordinasyon ng ating mga kapulisan at mga katuwang na ahensya ng pamahalaan. Sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagkilos, mas napapalakas natin ang proteksyon sa ating likas na yaman at wildlife resources,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

(This accomplishment is the result of coordination between our police and our partner agencies in the government. Through cooperation, we can enhance our protection of our natural and wildlife resources.)

“We remain steadfast in enforcing environmental laws and supporting conservation efforts across the country. Our message is simple: the protection of wildlife and the environment is a shared responsibility, and the PNP will continue to do its part in preserving these resources for future generations,” he added. — JMA, GMA News