DENR, NBI seize 32 wildlife species

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 seized over 32 assorted wildlife species in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan, north of Cebu.

Last Friday, the five-member joint team from the DENR-7 and NBI-7 recovered assorted wildlife species including 10 Hanging Parakeets, four Coletos, three Tarictic Hornbills, and two each of Green Imperial Pigeons, Brown Doves or Reddish Cuckoo Doves and Blue Naped Parrots.

Also seized by the group was a Crested Myna, a Philippine Macaque, a Crested Goshawk, a Philippine Falconet, a Philippine Eagle Owl, a Brahminy Kite, a Philippine Hawk Eagle and a Besra. Apart from the birds, a juvenile long-tailed Philippine Macaque was also confiscated by the group.

In the report submitted by the Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone and Management Services (PAWCZMS) chief Al Orolfo, it noted that the apprehended wildlife species were placed in cages and displayed in plain sight near the house of a certain Maria Formentera and within the front yard and premises of the residence of Aristotle Binabaye.

Upon interrogation by the team, Formentera denied ownership of the species displayed near her house and said that these were just left by somebody she did not know.

On the other hand, Benabaye readily admitted that he owned the birds within his premises but could only show a wildlife farm permit (WFP) number 2010-70 issued to a certain Paul Nicole Halili by the DENR 7.

Benabaye further claimed that he is into "falconry", a sport which uses raptors or birds of prey to catch or hunt another bird.

Dr. Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director, said the species were turned over to APK Wildlife Facility located in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Montejo said it would be kept there for temporary care and custodial safekeeping especially with the confiscated species reportedly in weak condition and needs immediate medical attention.

DENR-7 spokesperson Ed Llamedo said that administrative seizure proceedings will be conducted by Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) to determine probable cause if a case would be filed in court against the owners of the seized wildlife species. 

Llamedo stressed that under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, illegal trade of endangered species is penalized by a fine of P200,000 and a jail term of two years while the killing of endangered animals carries the penalty of imprisonment of six years and a fine of P500,000. — (FREEMAN)