Up to 53 native and exotic wildlife species were rescued and recovered in a law enforcement operation in Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the operation was launched after authorities received reports regarding the illegal transport and trade of wildlife in the area.

During the operation, authorities inspected a temporary holding facility and a residential compound in Purok Silangan, where they discovered various wildlife species confined in wooden transport crates and wire cages, alleged prepared for distribution.

Among the recovered animals were 14 parrots, 18 blacked-capped lories, 11 pigeons, three wallabies with one dead, three Rufous hornbills, two cockatoos, a black lory, a white-bellied sea eagle, a native species classified as vulnerable.

Several men believed to be involved in the operation fled the area when the officers arrived. They have yet to be identified.

Based on investigation, the wildlife were allegedly being kept without the necessary permits, which is required under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).

Authorities also noted that the volume of wildlife and the use of transport-ready containers suggested possible commercial trading activities.

The recovered wildlife specimens were turned over to the CIDG Sarangani Provincial Office for safekeeping as evidence while the sea eagle was endorsed to the Sarangani Environmental Conservation and Protection Center for veterinary assessment and care.

Authorities later confirmed that two remaining wallabies died.

Authorities are investigating the incident to identify and locate the individuals responsible for the illegal activities.

“The DENR reiterates its call to the public to help protect wildlife by reporting illegal collection, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife species, which threaten biodiversity and the ecological balance of the country's natural ecosystems,” DENR-12 said.