Two individuals were arrested for the illegal sale of endangered turtle species in an entrapment operation of the NBI Environmental Crime Division in Tondo, Manila.
The value of 37 endangered turtles that were confiscated, including Hamiltoni, Sherman, Red Foot, Sulcata, and Diamond Black could range up to Php 500,000. The turtles were hidden under a Styrofoam box of fish when it was sold to an NBI agent. The suspects denied the sale and claimed they only received the shipment this morning.
Authorities said they have strong pieces of evidence since one of the suspects posted the sale of the said endangered species. The suspects will face charges on violation of RA 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“Ang ginagawa nila they resort to some techniques. O-order sila isda, legal aquarium fish pero sa ilalim ng lagayan nakatago ang turtles (They resort to techniques such as buying fish, legal aquarium fish, but turtles are hidden under the containers),” DENR Wildlife Resources Division Dr. Rogelio Demelletes exposed.
Since the start of the lockdown, almost Php 37 million worth of illegal wildlife trade has been intercepted by the NBI and DENR.
“Ang isa pang setback natin masyadong mababa ang penalty sa wildlife trafficking. Sa sobrang baba, hindi nagiging deterrent ito laban sa ating wildlife traffickers (One setback is the low penalty for wildlife trafficking. It is so low to the point that it does not becomes a deterrent against wildlife traffickers),” NBI Environmental Crimes Division Atty. Czar Eric Nuqui said.
The confiscated animals will be transferred to DENR’s rescue center to undergo rehabilitation.
– Report from Naomi Tiburcio
