DENR warns vs. approaching, hunting Philippine deer

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mimaropa warned the public against approaching the Philippine deer, which was recently sighted in Marinduque after it was believed to be locally extinct. 

DENR noted the Philippine deer is still considered a vulnerable species. 

“Ang Philippine deer ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng ating ecosystem. Sila ay tumutulong sa pagpapanatili ng balanse sa ating kagubatan at likas-yaman,” the DENR Mimaropa said. 

(The Philippine deer is a vital part of our ecosystem. They help maintain the balance of our forests and natural resources.) 

“Ang Philippine deer ay isang vulnerable species ayon sa International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at itinuturing na endangered sa ilalim ng DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19. Ito ay pinaniniwalaang matagal nang nawala o ‘presumed absent’ sa Marinduque batay sa pag-aaral ni Wiles noong 2012,” it added. 

(The Philippine deer is a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and is considered endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19. It was believed to have been gone for a long time or 'presumed absent' in Marinduque based on a 2012 study by Wiles.) 

Hence, the DENR advised everyone to avoid approaching, feeding, chasing, capturing, or harming the deer. 

It also reminded the public to drive cautiously in areas where wildlife may cross and protect their natural habitats. 

Further, the DENR encouraged the public to report sightings of the Philippine or illegal activities to DENR Marinduque or local authorities.

The DENR also warned that hunting of any wildlife is punishable by up to six years of imprisonment; and/or fine of P50,000 to P500,000. 

“Alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pananakit, panghuhuli, pagpatay, at pag-aari ng wildlife tulad ng Philippine deer nang walang kaukulang pahintulot,” the department said. 

(In accordance with Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), it is strictly prohibited to harm, catch, kill, or possess wildlife such as the Philippine deer without the proper permit.) 

The Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) serves as a natural habitat for the Philippine deer. Established as a Protected Area (PA) through Presidential Proclamation No. 696 on August 17, 2004, the sanctuary spans 9,758.71 hectares, covering five municipalities and 23 barangays across the province. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News