Liloan wants to punish hunters of birds and bats

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipal Council of Liloan has passed an ordinance to punish those involved in hunting, trapping and killing of birds and bats in the town.

“As it is now, birds and bats have considerately dwindled in number-- with many species found to be extinct, some are nearing extinction, and worst still, other are on the list of endangered species” the ordinance reads.

Under the ordinance, administrative fine or such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed against any person found to have committed violations.

Fines include P500 for the first offense; P1,500 for the second offense; and P2,500 for the third offense. Imprisonment of not more than 10 days can also be an option in case of insolvency. 

Councilors said the passage of the ordinance is in line with the town’s efforts to help abate the effects of global warming by preserving the environment by growing trees, most especially fruit bearing trees, a process wherein birds and bats play an important role. 

“Significant players to the success of the greening effort are birds and bats who pollinate seeds of self-propagation or carry and drop them someplace to start a new life,” the ordinance reads.

Birds and bats also feed on worms, pests and insects that are harmful to plants, the source of oxygen.

“The Municipality of Liloan is linking hands with all sectors to promote the greening of the immediate environment through the planting of trees, most especially the fruit bearing trees,” the ordinance reads further. (FREEMAN)