DENR rescues exotic animals from pet shop

A team of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) agents have arrested a 78-year-old businessman and rescued 14 exotic animals, including rare birds, during a recent raid on a pet shop in Tondo, Manila.

Environment Secretary Michael Defensor identified the arrested trader as Santos Tiu See, whose pet shop yielded birds found to have been illegally imported from South America and South Africa.

The lawmen confiscated one scarlet Macaw, which sells for P130,000 and a green-winged Macaw. Both are listed in the Convention of the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).  The two birds are classified as critically endangered and endangered, respectively.

Also seized were two Indian peacocks, two African grey parrots; three Brahminy kites, three leopard cats; and two Malay civets.

The Brahminy kite and the African grey parrot are listed as endangered in CITES while the leopard cat, which is endemic to the Philippines, is classified as a vulnerable.

All 14 exotic animals were turned over to the custody of the DENR’s Parks and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) in Quezon City.

"We are strictly monitoring the trade and transport of wildlife as the DENR continues to receive reports of the illegal trade," Defensor said.

The DENR chief said See did not include the seized animals in his Certificate of Registration.  The trader was arrested during an entrapment operation, which was followed by a raid on his shop.

See was charged before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office in violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, particularly on the illegal trade collecting, or hunting and possession of wildlife.

See faces possible imprisonment of a maximum of four years and a fine of not more than P300,000 for the illegal trade of endangered species.

Last year, Defensor called for a nationwide registration of wildlife owned by private individuals or groups. 

To date, a total of 3,159 animals have been given a Certificate of Wildlife Registration, generating revenue of P2.5 million for the government.