TACLOBAN CITY — Seven live protected birds were seized and a man was arrested during an entrapment operation targeting the alleged illegal sale and trade of wildlife species in Ormoc City, Leyte, authorities said.
The suspect, a resident of Barangay Caridad, Baybay City, was arrested on Aug. 19 in Barangay South, Ormoc City, after he was allegedly caught selling or trading the wildlife specimens without the permits and documents required by law.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Northern Leyte Provincial Field Unit (PFU), in coordination with the Ormoc City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ormoc, the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) Wildlife Conservation Unit, and Station 1 of the Ormoc City Police Office.
Authorities confiscated three live Rufous hornbills, two live Samar hornbills and two live yellow-breasted fruit doves.
Also recovered during the operation were a genuine P500 bill used as buy-bust money and four P1,000 boodle bills.
Police said the suspect was caught in possession and control of the birds without the necessary permits, authority or supporting documents required under existing wildlife laws and regulations.
The rescued birds were turned over to the appropriate authorities for identification, documentation, physical examination and safekeeping.
A case for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, particularly Section 27(e)(i), is being prepared for filing before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Ormoc City.
Following the operation, the birds were brought to the Ormoc City Veterinary Office for physical examination and assessment.
After the required documentation and clearances are secured, the birds will be transferred to the Ormoc City Terrestrial Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Dolores for rehabilitation, care and proper disposition.
RA 9147 prohibits the unauthorized collection, possession, transport and trade of wildlife and provides penalties for violations involving protected wildlife species.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
