A man in Misamis Oriental who was reportedly collecting endangered animals was arrested by the Regional Maritime Unit - 10 of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police.
The unit searched the compound where the man lived in Barangay Casinglot, Tagoloan morning on April 7, 2025 following information that several wildlife species are placed in cages there.
The unit carried out the search by virtue of a warrant.
At the compound, authorities saw several animals in cages, including two endangered species of monkeys and Philippine long-tailed Macaque, four parrots, a crow, and critically endangered species of Talking Myna, which is endemic to Palawan Province.
“Sa dihang nakita nila nga naay wildlife didto, gipa-verify dayon namo sa CENRO… kung naka-rehistro ba kini og matud pa sa CENRO, wala kini naka-rehistro,” said Pat. Mary Cris Dajao, Public Information Officer of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station.
According to the Regional Maritime Unit, taking possession over endangered and/or critically endangered species violates Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
The man who was arrested told GMA Regional TV One Mindanao that he was not selling the animals and that collecting them was only a hobby.
The animals were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10.
