By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A 38-year-old man was arrested after five Visayan leopards were intercepted in a van at Bredco Port on Thursday, January 16.
The suspect, identified as alias “Ricky,” was apprehended for violating Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
According to a report from the Bacolod Maritime Police, authorities acted on information about wildlife species allegedly transported from Mabinay, Negros Oriental, en route to Manila.
The Maritime Police, along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), conducted an inspection at the port.
Recovered during the operation were two male adult Visayan leopards, one female adult Visayan leopard, and two male young Visayan leopards.
The animals were turned over to the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Bago City. Arrangements are being made for their rehabilitation and possible release into their natural habitat.
The DENR reiterated its call for the public to report illegal activities involving the collection, transport, or trade of wildlife.
Under RA 9147, the collection, possession, and trade of wildlife are prohibited without the necessary permits to protect endangered and vulnerable species.
Visayan leopards are native to the islands of Negros, Cebu, and Panay.
