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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Despite aging law, DENR manages to nab 31 wildlife traders amid pandemic

Despite aging law, DENR manages to nab 31 wildlife traders amid pandemic

Published Jul 1, 2021 03:30 pm

At least 31 illegal wildlife traders have been arrested between March 2020 and May 2021, or practically since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began.

CAGED--Umbrella cockatoos have been among the species recovered by DENR agents from illegal wildlife traders who continue to ply their trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo from DENR).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) managed this accomplishment despite the limitations of the existing Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the arrest of illegal wildlife traders and poachers is "a testament to the DENR's effective enforcement of Republic Act (RA) 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001."

"While we admit that the 20-year-old RA 9147 needs to be amended, we at the DENR are doing our best to equip our indefatigable wildlife enforcers who never ceased in apprehending illegal wildlife traders and poachers during the COVID-19 pandemic," Cimatu said in a statement Thursday, July 1.

The agency earlier noted that the selling of endangered wildlife species has continued in the online space amid the public health crisis.

Cimatu pointed out that the DENR's Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) continues to strengthen the capacity of its wildlife enforcers with training activities and seminars on various areas of wildlife law enforcement.

DENR Undersecretary for Special Concerns and concurrent BMB Director Edilberto Leonardo agreed with Cimatu that RA 9147 needs to be amended.

"Illegal wildlife trade is considered a transnational crime. The current law that exists no longer impedes perpetrators in engaging in this act," Leonardo said.

"The technology brought about by the Internet also serves as a new platform for these culprits, which a 20-year-old law cannot penalize severely," he explained.

Some bills have been filed in Congress in the effort to review and revise the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Related Tags

arrested 70121 wildlife traders Roy A. Cimatu covid-19 DENR
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