ILOILO City – A man was slapped with charges for illegal possession, transport and trade of Brazilian Iguanas in Barangay North Baluarte, Molo district.
Two Brazilian Iguanas were seized from alias “Noel” during a recent entrapment operation carried out by the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Maritime Group in collaboration with the Monitoring and Enforcement Section of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Guimbal.
The suspect was taken into custody by the PNP-Maritime Group Iloilo. Charges for violation of Section 27 (e) – Trading of wildlife, Section 27 (f) – Possession of wildlife species, and Section 27 (i) – Transportation of wildlife of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (), specifically, were filed against him.
These violations were further linked to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, highlighting the use of digital platforms in facilitating illegal wildlife activities.
The two Brazilian Iguanas meanwhile were safely turned over to CENRO Guimbal Rescue Center in Barangay Kirayan Tacas, Miag-ao, Iloilo for proper care and handling.
OIC-Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urge the public to report any illegal wildlife activities and assist in safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.
The said operation, he added, underscores the commitment of the DENR and PNP to combat wildlife trafficking and protect the natural resources./PN