DENR Davao: 29 animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade since January 2026

Authorities seized 29 wildlife species in separate operations in Davao Region from January to August this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao Region said on Thursday.

The anti-illegal wildlife trading operations were conducted by DENR –Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Panabo and the coordination with the Davao del Norte Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group–Panabo.

"The joint enforcement operations, which were properly coordinated and documented, resulted in the apprehension of a total of 29 heads of various wildlife species with an estimated market value of P71,350.00," said DENR Davao Region in a statement.

The seized wildlife were two reticulated pythons, three ball pythons, one Madagascar ground boa, one corn snake, four cockatiels, six African lovebirds, ten parakeets, and two African spurred tortoises or sulcatas.

"Of the 29 heads of various wildlife species apprehended, 18 were issued certifications identifying their respective categories pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, while the remaining 11 are still pending issuance of the corresponding certifications," the DENR Davao Region added.

The recovered animals were transferred to the care of the DENR Wildlife Facility/Wildlife Rescue Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Moreover, criminal cases were filed against the suspects for violation of Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

For endangered species, the DENR said that the law provides a penalty of imprisonment ranging from four years and one day to six years and/or a fine ranging from ₱50,000.00 to ₱500,000.00.

For other threatened species, the penalty is imprisonment ranging from one year and one day to two years and/or a fine ranging from ₱20,000.00 to ₱200,000.00. Meanwhile, violations involving other wildlife species carry a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to one year and/or a fine ranging from ₱10,000.00 to ₱100,000.00. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA News