Authorities arrested an Indonesian national and rescued assorted wildlife species worth more than P5.5 million during a law enforcement operation in Sarangani Province, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted in line with the Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.’s focused program thrust and the intensified implementation of OPLAN KALIKASAN, the campaign against the unlawful destruction of the environment and natural resources.
At around 7 p.m. on June 4, 2026, the CIDG Sarangani Provincial Field Unit, together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office and territorial police units, conducted the operation in Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-MENRO) Sarangani for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Authorities arrested a male Indonesian suspect and confiscated assorted wildlife species consisting of 19 Black-capped Lories, 14 Pesquet’s Parrots, 11 Victoria Crowned Pigeons, three juvenile Rufous Hornbills, three wallabies, two Sulfur-crested Cockatoos, and one juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle.
The rescued wildlife species have an estimated value of P5,565,200.
A report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II identified the arrested suspect as “Son,” of legal age, an Indonesian national, and a resident of Bolmong Selatan, Indonesia.
The suspect was allegedly caught in possession and control of the wildlife species without the required permit from the DENR.
Authorities said the suspect was allegedly involved in the illegal trading and sale of wildlife animals in Sarangani Province.
Morico said Republic Act No. 9147 mandates the State to conserve and protect the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats to promote sustainability, ecological balance, and biological diversity.
The CIDG said the successful operation supports the implementation of RA 9147, with the ultimate goal of promoting ecological balance, enhancing biological diversity, and regulating the collection and trade of wildlife.
The CIDG leadership commended PCOL Annie M. Langcay, chief of Regional Field Unit 12; the CIDG Sarangani Provincial Field Unit, led by Provincial Chief PMAJ Julius A. Vallejo; and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Sarangani under DENR Region 12 for the successful rescue of the wildlife species and the apprehension of the law violator.
The CIDG assured the public of its unwavering commitment to preserving the country’s biodiversity.
Recognizing that the illegal exploitation of flora, fauna, and wildlife species destroys vital ecosystems, the CIDG said it continues to enforce OPLAN KALIKASAN and its zero-tolerance policy against violations of environmental laws.