Group raises alarm over pangolin trade in Philippines

A non-government organization, which is a part of a wildlife monitoring network, has raised concerns over the rising incidents of illegal trade involving Philippine pangolins.

Traffic is an NGO that works in different countries on trade in wild animals and plants for the promotion of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, a study conducted by Traffic showed that 6,894 Philippine pangolins were seized from 2018 to 2019. This was nine times higher than the 740 from 2000 to 2017.

Data from Traffic also showed that the Philippines recorded 28 incidents of illegal pangolin trading for the past two years.

Traffic said the illegal trade is surging due to the demand for pangolin scales that are used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine while pangolin meat is also used in delicacies.

Traffic said five restaurants in Metro Manila have been serving pangolin dishes. It is off the menu and available for pre-order only.

Most of the customers who order the dish were Chinese nationals, it added.

The organization urged the national government to look into the matter amid the rise of gambling-related foreign visitors and workers in the country.

However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the demand for pangolin come from abroad.

“Wala kaming nakikitang ganiyang sitwasyon dahil alam naman nila na the mere transport lang at mahuli ka ay may kaso ka na,” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said.

‘Yong mga owners ng mga POGOs diyan mostly, wala rin naman dito sa bansa natin ‘yan eh kung kaya’t what we see in this situation is walang koneksyon sa ganoon. Ang nakikita natin is ‘yong demand talaga sa abroad dahil sa laki ng presyo niya,” he added.

Under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, killing and destroying wildlife species can result in 6 to 12 years of imprisonment and/or fine of P100,000 to P1 million.

“We came up with a proposal to Congress na baguhin 'yung batas especially when it comes to the punishment. At least, 10 years to 20 years na parusa. Ang nangyayari dito, tuwing mahuhuli ‘yong violators, ang nangyari nagkakaroon lang ng negotiation na nagpi-plead guilty sila at probation so karamihan ng nahuhuli ng DENR ay mga repeat offenders,” Antiporda said. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News