A man was arrested on Monday (July 20) for selling a bird of an endangered species at Arranque Market in Manila.
Arranque Market Supervisor Ruth Almodovar identified the suspect as Jerry Salaguste.
Investigation showed that Salaguste sold a mynah talking bird, an endangered species, for P10,500 last week.
On Monday, the person who bought the bird reportedly tried to return it because it seemed sick.
However, a police officer recognized the bird as belonging to an endangered species.
They then followed the buyer's car and asked him where he bought the bird.
The police led an entrapment operation against Salaguste, but found that he fled after arriving at the dry goods section of the public market and learning that police were looking for him.
Market Administration Office Director Zenaida Mapoy then ordered the temporary closure of two stalls owned by Mayet de Jesus, where the sale took place.
Mapoy said that although De Jesus was not present when Salaguste sold the endangered bird, she is still responsible for whatever happens at her stalls.
The suspect eventually surrendered to authorities on the same day. He is now in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protect Act.
The mynah bird was turned over to the Public Recreation Bureau. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.