ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) arrested an illegal dangerous species trader and seized two Philippine Palm Civets in his possession during an entrapment operation on Friday, March 22, in La Victoria, La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte.
TWO Philippine Palm Civets were rescued during an entrapment operation by the DENR-9 in Zamboanga del Norte. (DENR)
Cidur S. Julsadjiri, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga del Norte-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), initiated the entrapment operation after monitoring a post from social media public group “Dipolog Dapitan Koi Lovers” advertising the civet cats for sale.
Philippine Palm Civets are considered as protected species under the nation's wildlife conservation laws.
The PENRO-Zamboanga del Norte Enforcement Group held a 36-year-old male resident of La Victoria who led the team to Barangay Maligubaan, Concepcion, Misamis Occidental where the two civet cats were recovered.
The suspect face charges of illegal possession and trading of wildlife in violation of Section 27 (e) and (f) of RA 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
DENR-9 continues its investigation into the illegal trade of wildlife species in their area.