The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of NAIA seized on June 30 an unclaimed and overstaying parcel containing 44 misdeclared wildlife species: 25 tarantulas, 12 spiderlings, five centipedes, and two ornithoctonus black spiders from the Philpost Central Mail Exchange Center.
Arthropods are invertebrate animals such as spiders, centipedes, and insects. In an uncontrolled environment, these species may have direct and indirect effects on human health, because these arthropods bite when threatened by external factors such as the presence of predators or humans. Other species administer venom through a bite, producing extreme pain, and can be fatal to humans.
The parcel from Thailand was consigned to a certain Aldwin Capucae in Pasay City, Metro Manila and was declared to contain “Plastic teaching materials for university.”
The failure of the claimant to process within the reglementary period led to the abandonment of the parcel, resulting in the discovery of the 44 arthropods. The seized species were estimated to have a market value of at least P500,000 and were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention has been recommended by the examiner against the parcel, and further investigation is underway against the claimant for the possible filing of charges in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and RA 10863 known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) Section 117 in relation to Sections 1113 and 1400, and all other related rules and regulations.
Recently, the Port of NAIA, headed by District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the celebration of World Wildlife Day for their vital and invaluable role in wildlife protection by seizing subjects of illegal wildlife trafficking. ### – jlo
