MANILA, Philippines — Authorities arrested a man caught transporting anteaters and sea turtles in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan over the weekend.
Joshue Arellano, 36, was collared at a checkpoint in Barangay Sta. Lourdes on Saturday morning, according to Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, director of the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police.
Police and environment officers reportedly found in Arellano’s truck 21 frozen pangolins, a plastic bag containing pangolin scales, 15 hawk bill sea turtles and a green sea turtle.
Aside from the endangered species, police reportedly seized a handgun from the suspect.
Arellano’s arrest stemmed from reports that hunting and transporting of endangered species are rampant in Palawan.
Under the law, pangolins, also known as balintong or anteaters, and sea turtles have been declared endangered species.
Hunting, transporting and killing of these species are prohibited.