ENDANGERED wildlife rescued in General Santos City. (DENR photo)
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 12 (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City or Socsksargen region) rescued 17 endangered species from Indonesia in a checkpoint in Barangay Tamblers in General Santos City on Wednesday, April 1.
Recovered were five Moluccan cuckatoos, six yellow-crested cuckatoos, four Bornean white-bearded gibbons, and two bearcats.
Two individuals were arrested for allegedly transporting these protected and exotic species.
The agency received information that endangered species were being transported. Verification was conducted and a minivan was intercepted and multiple makeshift cages containing various wildlife species were found inside.
“The suspects failed to present any permits or documents authorizing the transport and possession of the animals, leading to their immediate apprehension,” the DENR said.
The DENR discovered a dead Moluccan cockatoo and a Victoria crowned pigeon in the cargo that showed the risks and cruelty associated with illegal wildlife transport.
The DENR said these species are endemic to Indonesia.
Police conducted an inventory and the rescued wildlife were turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of General Santos City in Barangay Buayan for proper care, documentation, and disposition.
The suspects are under police custody and face cases for allegedly violating Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.