50 endangered tortoises found in luggage of arriving passenger at NAIA

Fifty endangered tortoises were seized from the luggage of a Malaysian passenger who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand last Friday, June 12, the Bureau of Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) said.

Philippine authorities discovered Radiated and Indian Star tortoises – which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – after the passenger’s baggage underwent X-ray scanning and physical inspection at NAIA.

“BOC personnel immediately coordinated with the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The seized wildlife was documented, inventoried, and turned over to the DENR for proper custody,” the BOC-NAIA said in a statement.

The Malaysian suspect is now under the BOC’s custody and undergoing inquest proceedings for violations of Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“Hindi natin hahayaang maging daanan ang ating mga paliparan para sa illegal wildlife trade. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang pagbabantay sa ating borders, katuwang ang ibang ahensya, upang maprotektahan ang ating kalikasan at mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

(We will not allow our airports to become conduits for the illegal wildlife trade. Together with other agencies, we will continue to strengthen our border surveillance to protect our environment and hold law breakers accountable.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/KG, GMA News