"Selling endangered species, like freshwater turtles, is prohibited by law. Anybody caught will be penalized pursuant to existing laws on the conservation and protection of endangered and wildlife animals," said Jim Sampulna, DENR-Central Mindanao regional executive director.
Sampulna advised the public, especially those fond of turtles as "pets," to stop buying freshwater turtles offered to them by sidewalk vendors.
Under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, it is unlawful for any person to kill, maltreat, injure or trade wildlife species.
Violators face a maximum jail term of 12 years and P1-million fine.
Sampulna said he has received reports that freshwater turtles from Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat were being sold for P40 to P60 each in Tacurong City.
Freshwater turtles, which stay in the water most of the time, have long legs and webbed feet with claws. They are usually found in rivers, streams or lakes and hibernate in the warm mud in the bottom of these bodies of water.