The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) Wildlife Enforcement Section conducted an entrapment operation on Thursday, July 27, that resulted in the arrest of five individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
According to PCSDS, one of the suspects hailed from Roxas, while the other four were residents of Taytay.
The individuals were caught red-handed in the illegal possession of pangolin scales, a protected species under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Act. This act strictly prohibits poaching, sale, and possession of critically endangered wildlife species, including pangolins.
The Wildlife enforcement officers also seized from the possession of the accused approximately 27 kilograms of pangolin scales. Two motor vehicles used for transporting the contraband were also confiscated, further thwarting their illegal activities.
The five individuals are now in custody, awaiting due process and facing charges for their involvement in wildlife trafficking.
The Palawan pangolin holds the designation of a “critically endangered species” under PCSD Resolution No. 15-521.
The PCSDS would like to emphasize to the public that any violation of the law regarding the illegal possession of wildlife species, whether flora or fauna, is strictly prohibited and carries corresponding penalties under the RA 9147.
The PCSDS urges anyone with information on illegal wildlife activities to immediately report or call the PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Unit (WEU) hotline at (TNT) 09319642128 and (TM) 09656620248, or the PCSDS Front Desk hotline at (Globe/TM) 0935-116-2336 and (Smart/TNT) 0948-937-2200. Anonymous tips can also be sent through the PCSDS Facebook page.
