Authorities conducted a successful operation against illegal wildlife trade on November 21, 2024, in Barangay North Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, in coordination with the Monitoring and Enforcement Section of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guimbal, led the entrapment operation targeting the illegal possession, transport, and trade of two Brazilian iguanas (Iguana iguana).
The suspect faces multiple charges under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act 9147), including violations of:
- Section 27 (e): Trading of wildlife
- Section 27 (f): Possession of wildlife species
- Section 27 (i): Transportation of wildlife
Additional charges were filed under Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175) due to the use of digital platforms to facilitate illegal wildlife activities.
The rescued Brazilian iguanas have been turned over to the DENR CENRO Guimbal Rescue Center in Barangay Kirayan Tacas, Miag-ao, Iloilo, where they will receive proper care.
The suspect remains in the custody of the PNP Maritime Group Iloilo.
DENR 6 Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla urged the public to report illegal wildlife activities and contribute to protecting the country’s biodiversity.
This operation highlights the commitment of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the PNP to combat wildlife trafficking and preserve natural resources. (DENR-6)
