The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group rescued several wildlife animals worth an estimated P3.5 million and arrested a female suspect during an operation in Medellin, Cebu.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted at around 9:23 a.m. on June 3 in Barangay Kawit by its Mandaue City Field Unit, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 7 and local police units.
Authorities rescued four African spurred tortoises, six parrots, including Eclectus, blue-naped and African grey parrots, one black palm cockatoo, and two macaws, including green-winged and blue-and-gold macaws.
Police identified the arrested suspect only as “Lyn,” 55, a manager of a tourist destination resort.
According to the CIDG, the suspect was allegedly found keeping the wildlife animals on display inside the resort premises without the required DENR permits.
The suspect is facing possible charges for violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the protection of wildlife resources is vital to preserving ecological balance and biodiversity.
The CIDG said wild animals kept in facilities without DENR clearance are often exposed to substandard conditions because such sites bypass government inspections and lack proper veterinary and biological oversight.
The CIDG commended its Regional Field Unit 7, the Mandaue City Field Unit and DENR Region 7 for the operation.
It also vowed to continue enforcing environmental laws, saying illegal exploitation of wildlife destroys ecosystems and threatens the country’s biodiversity.