Eighty-three endangered wildlife animals, including forest turtles endemic to Palawan, were rescued by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in an illegal wildlife trade entrapment in Laguna, where a suspected trader was arrested.
The suspect, identified by CIDG Director Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as alias “Arvin,” was arrested after failing to present a Certificate of Wildlife Registration and other necessary documents for the possession, capture, transport, and sale of wildlife.
The operation was conducted on April 4 at Teomora Subdivision, Phase 3, Barangay San Gabriel, San Pablo City, in Laguna. It was carried out by operatives of the CIDG, in cooperation with the Laguna Provincial Field Unit, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 4A, and the San Pablo City Police Station.
The CIDG said the arrest came after a meticulous and prolonged surveillance operation against the suspect, who is believed to have long been involved in the underground wildlife trade and has previously attempted to smuggle wildlife but was intercepted by authorities each time.
Among the confiscated wildlife were 48 turtles, including the Philippine forest turtles (Siebenrockiella leytensis), which are endemic to Palawan, 18 Philippine keeled water skinks (Tropidophorus grayi), 7 West Visayas water monitors (Varanus nuchalis), 3 Philippine crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis), 2 Philippine bent-toed geckos (Crytodactylus philippinicus), 2 dog-toothed cat snakes (Boiga cynodon), 1 leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius), 1 Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus), and 1 brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), with a total estimated value of around ₱224,000.
The confiscated endangered wildlife has been immediately turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 4A and is now under the care of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Barangay Lamot 2, Calauan, Laguna for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, the suspect is facing charges for violating Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
