An alleged illegal wildlife trader, known only by the alias “Jerry,” was arrested on August 7 in Block 40, Purok 6, Barangay Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal, during a joint operation led by the Special Maritime Response Team (SMaRT)-PNP Maritime Group.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the 3rd Special Operations Unit and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Police Major Dandy Ferriol said the operation was conducted under a search warrant issued by the presiding judge of Branch 74, Regional Trial Court, Antipolo City, on August 6, in response to violations of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).
“Nakita namin itong tao na ito sa Facebook na nagbebenta ng mga ibon na classified as wildlife at endangered species. Nagsagawa kami ng imbestigasyon and then nag test buy kami, after mag-positive, nag turnover kami sa DENR. At the same time, nag-request kami ng certification kung may permit ang tao and accordng doon ay wala siyang permit,” Ferriol explained.
The authorities confiscated a total of 154 birds, including Sun Conures, Green Cheek Conures, Cockatiels, African Love Birds, Parakeets, and Budgies. Two Malayan box turtles were also seized. The estimated value of the confiscated wildlife is approximately ₱200,000.
