Four people were arrested and 33 live animals were recovered during an operation against illegal wildlife trading in Taytay, Palawan, on September 25, authorities said.
The animals included turtles, blue-naped parrots, two otters, a Palawan stink badger, a Palawan peacock-pheasant and a lizard.
The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) said Sunday that the operation began after authorities received information about the alleged sale of wildlife.
A Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) officer posing as a buyer purchased a live turtle during a controlled transaction at the Puerto Princesa International Airport.
The officer also arranged to buy a Palawan peacock-pheasant. Because the seller did not have the bird at the airport, the officer went with the suspect to Sitio Ibangley in Barangay Abungan, Taytay.
Police said the suspect handed the bird to the officer at about 7:49 p.m. The officer then signaled the team, which arrested four people.
Authorities reported recovering 20 live turtles, eight blue-naped parrots, two otters, one Palawan stink badger, one lizard and the peacock-pheasant. They also seized ₱16,000 in marked money, several phones and a car.
The four suspects and the animals were brought to the PCSD office for documentation. Authorities said they are preparing charges under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“This operation shows what can be achieved through strong coordination and timely action among our partner agencies,” Puerto Princesa City Police Director Col. Vincent Templo said.
