7 nabbed for selling endangered animals in Metro Manila

Authorities arrested seven illegal sellers of various types of animals, including endangered species.

In Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) was able to rescue Palawan Hill Mynahs in Pasay, which are among the critically endangered species according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a separate operation in Pasay, two men selling cockatiel parrots were also arrested.

A ball phyton, considered a near-threatened species, was also rescued in Pasig through an undercover operation.

Meanwhile, authorities rescued a total of nine crested mynas and 32 hanging parrots or colasisi in another operation in Carriedo, Manila, and two sellers were arrested.

Another seller was also arrested in Caloocan after being caught with a collection of various animals.

“We have arrested seven individuals for illegal trading and possession of wildlife which is a violation of Section 27 of Republic Act of 9147,” said Police Major Robert Alvin Gutierrez, PNP-MG northern National Capital Region chief.

The arrested sellers were detained at the Maritime Group headquarters. They refused to give a statement.

“Yung monitary consideration talaga ang tinitingnan po nating anggulo kaya nagkakaroon po ng mga ganitong klaseng wildlife trafficker sir. Buy and sell, bibili ng mas mura, bebenta ng mas mahal” Gutierrez added.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News