3 nabbed in Metro Manila, Rizal for illegal wildlife trade

Three suspects allegedly involved in illegal wildlife trading were arrested in separate operations in Rizal and Metro Manila, Dano Tingcungco reported Monday on “24 Oras.”

In Pasig, a suspect was nabbed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group for reportedly selling his pet ball python online.

“Alam ko naman po 'yung kamalian ko na illegal trading po 'yung ginawa ko. Nagawa ko lang po to kasi di ko na rin po kayang maalagaan 'yung sawa kasi lumalaki na at kailangan ko rin po ng pera para sa pamilya ko,” he said.

(I am aware of my wrongdoings. I know that’s illegal trading but I only did that because it was getting hard to maintain my pet and I needed money for my family.)

Likewise, an alleged seller in Antipolo, Rizal tried to sell a Burmese python online.

“Tanggap ko naman po ‘yung pagkakamali ko kaya sa lahat ng gustong magtangka mag-alaga ng mga illegal pet na exotic, wag nyo na po subukan kasi baka matulad kayo sa amin. Unang-una, mahirap po makulong dahil lang sa ganitong kaso,” the suspect said.

(I accept that what I did was wrong. So for all those who want to adopt an exotic animal, don’t. You may end up like us. It’s difficult to get jailed for this case.)

In Novaliches, a suspect was also cuffed for allegedly attempting to sell Sun Conure, a type of exotic bird.

“'Pag tag-ulan, ina-anticipate namin na dadami po yung mga nagbebenta ng ibon. Violation po kasi ito ng Republic Act No. 9147 or 'yung ating Wildlife Act. Para makapag-alaga sila kailangan nila ng Certificate of Wildlife Registration na manggagaling po sa DENR ( Department of Environment and Natural Resources). Kailangan po nila kumuha ng Certificate of Wildfire Farm o CWF para maibenta nila ng legal,” said PNP Maritime Group Northern NCR Chief Police Major Robert Alvin Gutierrez.

(We are already anticipating an increase in cases of bird selling during the rainy season. That’s a violation of Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Act. To adopt, they should get a Certificate of Wildlife Registration from the DENR. If they’re selling, they need a Certificate of Wildfire Farm to sell the animals legally.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News