FOLLOWING the confiscation of exotic animals in Barangay Dahican in Mati, Davao Oriental last April 8, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office said the agency will intensify its campaign against wildlife trafficking after receiving reports that Mati City is one of the import transaction points for the illegal trading.
DENR Regional Director Ruth Tawantawan said on Wednesday the 447 species of birds from Indonesia and some reptiles worth P250 million were already turned over to the agency for further examinations to determine the possibility of these species to be carrying diseases.
In the latest report, 28 birds died due to stress after they were kept in cages for months by illegal traders.
Tawantawan said the agency immediately acted on a tip together with the local authorities.
She said the two local men, who are allegedly caretakers of the wildlife species, were also arrested during the buy-bust operation headed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), adding that the entrapment operation in Mati was the biggest case recorded in the region by far and the first case taken action by the DENR.
Trading of exotic animals is a violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
"Mao gani ato ni dayon gilihok because we do not want to prevail diria sa region (That is why we acted upon it immediately, because we do not want wildlife trafficking to prevail here in the region)," Tawantawan said in a phone interview.
She also said DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu had instructed all offices nationwide to screen further suspected vessels that might import or export exotic species after the recent confiscations conducted in various areas such as airports and bus terminals.
Meanwhile, charges have already been filed against wildlife smugglers by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) through its Environmental Crime Division-Investigative Service.
The office recommended the prosecution of two arrested wildlife smugglers in Mati, Davao Oriental.
The suspects were identified as Jomar L. Toledo, 34, and Rompas M. Lumakore, 25, both residents of Barangay Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental.
They will be charged with possessing and selling endangered wildlife animals in violation of Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. (With PR)