The Philippine National Police-2nd Special Operations Unit- Maritime Group Rio Tuba Detachment arrested an individual engaged in wildlife trade in Bataraza town on Sunday, May 5, 2019.
The suspect was identified as Exzolito S. Lugusan,31, married, and a resident of Brgy Tagnato, Bataraza, Palawan.
The suspect was caught in the act of possessing and transporting wildlife species such as five live Green Parrota locally known as pikoy and one live Cockatoo locally known as kalaw at Sitio Kayasyasan, Brgy Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.
Police Lt Col. Greg Togonon, head of the 2nd SOU based in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes said that the personnel of their Rio Tuba detachment conducted an intensified law enforcement operation.
The suspect is now facing charges in court for violating RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).
Togonon said that they will continue to intensify their operations against unscrupulous individuals involved in illegal hunting of wildlife, and also those engaged in wildlife trade and trafficking.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), on the other hand, reminded the public that the act of catching, collecting, hurting, or trading wildlife species such as birds and mammals are prohibited by law. They urged the public to report any abuses to wildlife to their PCSD Enforcement Team, said information officer Jovic Fabello.
“Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paghuli, pagbenta, pananakit at pagkolekta ng mga wildlife o buhay-ilang, maging sa pagsira ng kanilang tahanan,” PCSD said.