Hundreds of imported, exotic animals found in QC house 

A team from Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (POGI) found four species of more than 100 of snakes, Cayman Island crocodile found only in Carribean, different species of turtles, flying squirrels, iguanas, and owls. 

 

The authorities also found a box of Philippine pond turtles, which are listed as critically endangered by International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

 

The investigators said a certain John Kerwin is the owner of the animals. They said Kerwin was selling the animals online. 

 

A woman, apparently the mother of Kerwin, was in the house when the team raided. She disputed the allegations. 

 

"Hobby lang 'yan ng anak ko. Mahilig lang siyang magkolekta," she said. 

 

The DENR said that they traced Kerwin's alleged illegal wildlife trade on Facebook for two months. 

 

He will be charged for violating the Philippine Wildlife Act and may be fined at least P1 million. He may also serve jail time ranging from six months to 10 years. 

 

The DENR said keeping imported and exotic animals at home entails risks. 

 

"'Pag nakatakas 'yan sila sa natural environment natin at hindi naman sila taga-rito, maaapektuhan ang ating native species," Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Mundita Lim said.  — ELR, GMA News