28 wildlife species confiscated from mall in Isabela

Isabela, Philippines – A number of wildlife species being exhibited at a mall in Santiago City were recently seized by authorities.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cagayan Valley reported on Oct. 10 that the PENRO Isabela and CENRO San Isidro confiscated a total of 28 wildlife in Barangay Mabini.

These species which were displayed at a mall include leopard gecko, Mexican iguana, bearded dragon, sulcata tortoise, red-footed tortoise, leopard tortoise, civet cat, Burmese python, and African love bird.

The DENR seized the 28 animals after their supposed owners failed to secure a Wildlife Special Use Permit (WSUP) and Special Local Transport Permit (SLTP).

DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan emphasized that the collection and possession of wildlife are regulated by Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

“We have to enforce the law and penalize violators in the absence of required permits,” she stressed.

Individuals who owned the 28 wildlife will have to explain why their Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) shouldn’t be canceled or revoked after exhibiting the animals without securing permits.

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