Wildlife species seized, 6 Indonesians arrested off GenSan coast

Authorities seized several wildlife species and nabbed six persons aboard a pump boat that allegedly came from Indonesia in the waters of General Santos City.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group (PNP-MG) said the arrest was carried out on Monday, December 8, after they received a report from a concerned citizen the day before.

The double-engine motorized boat was spotted in the waters of Lower Makar, Barangay Labangal.

Police seized two assorted crates containing various wildlife species and another crate with 20 leopard tortoises worth about P200,000.

They also confiscated a small aviary containing a Nicobar pigeon, an undocumented motorized boat worth around P60,000, and 21 boxes of assorted dry goods consisting of clothing, personal items, and food supplies.

The arrested foreigners are undergoing verification in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and are temporarily under the custody of the GenSan Maritime Police Station.

They are facing charges for violating wildlife and immigration laws, among others.

Meanwhile, police are looking for the 43-year-old boat operator from Sarangani.

The PNP-MG is coordinating with the BI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the proper disposal of confiscated wildlife species and the investigation of the incident. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News