8 nabbed in illegal wildlife trade

Eight suspects allegedly involved in illegal wildlife trading were arrested in separate operations in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras," some invasive species that harm human health have also been rescued by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

In Meycauyan, Bulacan, a man selling a gecko or "tokay gecko" commonly seen in forests in Southeast and South Asia was arrested.

In  San Mateo, Rizal, a man was also nabbed for selling Burmese python, considered "vulnerable" nearing extinction.

Another Burmese python was rescued from a female seller who just cried while dealing with a police officer.

In Antipolo City and Guiguinto, Bulacan, a turtle that is not a native called red eared slider, was rescued.

“In-demand ngayon sa market. Pero we anticipate na magkakaroon ng iba sa pagdating ng ilang buwan, kasi tapos na yung breeding season,” said PNP Maritime Group chief Police Major Robert Alvin Gutierrez.

Meanwhile, in Meycauayan, Bulacan, and Valenzuela, crested myna and Indian ring-neck birds were also rescued.

“Maaari po silang makulong ng dalawang buwan hanggang dalawang taon, at magmulta ng P20,000 hanggang P200,000,” Gutierrez said.

The PNP Maritime Group urged the public to immediately notify the DENR or Maritime Police Station if they see an endangered or exotic animal being sold.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News