BMB seeks witnesses to alleged ‘musang’ killing

MANILA – The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) is searching for witnesses who can corroborate an alleged online post on the supposed capture and killing of a civet cat or “musang” by reporting what they know about the incident and the identities of the perpetrators.

“We’re urging people with the information to contact us,” the bureau’s Wildlife Resources Division chief, Josefina de Leon, said, adding that such information would enable BMB to file charges against the perpetrators.

De Leon said civet cats are protected under Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The bureau, she said, is thankful to TV5 host Raffy Tulfo for informing them about the alleged online post.

A public notice released by BMB this month sought the identity of the person behind the killing and cooking of the “musang”.

It showed the picture of a person holding the “musang”.

People “who may have personal knowledge on the real identity and present residential address of the person whose picture appears herein” may contact BMB to share this information, the notice said, assuring that the identity of the informants “shall be dealt with strict confidentiality” by the bureau.

RA 9147, which covers all wildlife species found in the country, warns that it is unlawful for any person to kill and destroy wildlife species except in certain instances.

According to the law, these instances are when the killing was done as part of a tribal group’s established religious rituals, the wildlife is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease, it was necessary to end the wildlife’s misery, the wildlife poses imminent danger to a person’s life or limb, and after the wildlife was used in authorized research or experiments.

Violators face imprisonment, fines or both. (Catherine Teves/PNA)

Popular

Taal Lake site assessment yields sack containing ‘bones’ — DOJ

By Brian Campued The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that authorities retrieved a sack containing burned remains believed to be human bones during the initial...

LTO integrates online driver’s license renewal system in eGovPH app

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has integrated the online driver’s license renewal in the eGovPH app, which ensures a fast and...

5 of 21 Filipinos in Houthi-hit ship in Red Sea rescued — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers manning the cargo vessel Eternity C, which...

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...