Talisay City wants to protect "tuko"

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government supports the call of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the illegal collection and trade of geckos, or "tuko" in local parlance as manifested in a proposed resolution unanimously approved by the city council during its regular session last Tuesday.

The measure, which was sponsored by Councilor Bernard Odilao, echoes DENR's call.

Under Republic Act (RA) 9147, or The Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Geckos are protected.

This law provides that the collection, trade, or transport of geckos without permits from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau which is under DENR is punishable by imprisonment from two to four years and up to P300,000 in fines.

The DENR has issued the warning following reports that geckos are being collected to be sold as aphrodisiac or cure for cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, among others.

The warning was issued after word spread that geckos are being harvested and sold as aphrodisiac and being claimed as cure for several diseases, including cancer, Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome or Aids, asthma, tuberculosis, and impotence.

Based on reports, there's money in geckos as they are sold in thousands of pesos.

Geckos feed on insects and worms hence they play a role in the ecosystem, Odilao said.

"If this illegal trade goes unchecked, the dwindling of the numbers of these species will hurt the balance of the ecosystem as we know it," read a portion of the resolution. (FREEMAN)