9 arrested for illegal transport of endangered species in Batangas

Calaca, Batangas – Police arrested nine persons after they were caught illegally transporting endangered wild animals here early yesterday morning, police said.

Chief Inspector Gerson Bisayas, Calaca police chief identified the suspects as Dexter Flores, 32 from Caloocan City, Olicronio Marcaida, Rey Ti, 27; Robin delos Reyes, 29; Eddie Ortega, Albert Canlapan, 38; Minda Asuncion, Myna delos Reyes and Edna Ponciano, residents of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

According to report, an information gathered by police from the residents of Barangay Talisay, a motor banca loaded with birds and animals docked along their shoreline around 3 a.m.

Elements of the Calaca police immediately responded to the call and proceeded to the area where they intercepted a Fuso Canter closed van (UCD-897) along the national highway at Barangay Sinisian and recovered at least 200 birds including an eagle, Myna birds, green and white parrots and three bear cats.

Police said the suspects could not produce any documents to cover the transport of the animals.

Bisayas said the animals originated from Puerto Princesa and were intended to be sold in pet shops in Metro Manila.

Authorities confiscated the endangered species and were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and University of the Philippines- Los Baños for safekeeping.

Police will file cases of violation of RA 9147 – (Wild life Act of 2001) against the suspects.