Almost 2k spiders intercepted at GenSan, suspected for illegal derby trade

Nearly 2,000 spiders were intercepted by authorities at General Santos Airport, uncovering a suspected illicit trade for spider derbies.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed that 1,902 spiders were confiscated.

The packages contained live spiders and were reportedly bound for Iloilo.

"Possible na for derby. Parang gano'n po," General Aviation Police Station OIC Chief P/LT Merline Parcon said.

Both the practice of spider derby and the sale of spiders are illegal under Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

"May pagmumulta po ng P100,000 to P1,000,000 and or imprisonment of three years to seven years," Parcon said.

Authorities are currently working to identify the individuals responsible for sending the packages and consignments.

Kuya Kim said spiders play a vital role in the ecosystem and despite some people's intense fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, these creatures are beneficial to nature.

They consume various smaller insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, thus helping to control pest populations in farmlands and homes.

Furthermore, spiders are a food source for other animals like birds, frogs, and lizards, contributing to the balance of the food chain and ecosystem. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News