Calamba City, Laguna–The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON, through its Enforcement Division (ED), Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD), assisted the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Laguna PFU in a 10-hour joint wildlife buy-bust operation at Sitio 4, Brgy. Oogong, Sta. Cruz, Laguna last November 2022.
The joint operation was done in response to the request for assistance of the CIDG on an alleged illegal wildlife trading operation in Calamba City, Laguna.
Recovered from the operation were 185 heads of various exotic wildlife species of Reptiles and Arachnids with an estimated market value of more or less Php 800,000.00.
Confiscated wildlife includes Ball Python (Python regius), Emperor Scorpion (Pandinus imperator), and Mexican Rose Tarantula (Aphonopelma Pallidum) which are classified as Appendix II in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Other non-CITES confiscated wildlife were Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius), and adult and juvenile Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps).
According to the LPDD, the illegal wildlife trader is a holder of a Certificate of Wildlife Registration for pet hobbyist purposes only and not for commercial trade.
All confiscated wildlife species were turned over to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Calauan, Laguna for custody. Likewise, proper criminal charges will be filed against the suspect for violating Republic Act No. 9147 also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“DENR CALABARZON will continue collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade and other illegal environmental activities”, said ED Chief Annabelle M. Barquilla.
DENR CALABARZON is urging the public to report Environment and Natural Resources-related, especially illegal trading operations via hotline 8888, sms to +639456215007/ +639083340224, email to denr4a.ord@gmail.com or send us photos, videos and other information via https://www.facebook.com/DENR4AOfficial/
