Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu warned the culprits taking advantage of the internet for illegal wildlife trading that their activities are being monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Mobility restrictions may cause some deterrence to our wildlife enforcers, but these shall not stop them from implementing environmental laws to protect our natural resources,” Cimatu said.

Cimatu made the statement following the arrest of a certain Benjie Saunar for illegal possession and selling of two Umbrella cockatoos (Cacatua alba) in a buy-bust operation conducted by the DENR’s Environmental Protection and Enforcement Task Force (EPETF).

The operatives also recovered a Palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) from the suspect’s possession.

Saunar was monitored by the DENR- EPETF operatives to have been selling illegal wildlife species online. He was apprehended in an entrapment operation conducted by the DENR EPETF, in coordination with the Manila Police District Station 8 and Manila District Anti-Cybercrime Team, led by Maj. Reynaldo Salim.

During the operation last April 28, 2021 in a gasoline station in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Saunar was not able to present any relevant permits such as a Certificate of Wildlife Registration or Wildlife Farm Permit and Local Transport Permit to support and prove that he is authorized by law to possess, transport, and trade wildlife.

The suspect Saunar is currently undergoing inquest proceedings at the Manila City Prosecutors Office and shall be charged for violating Republic Act (RA) 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act of 2001.

Section 23 of RA 9147 states that collection of threatened wildlife including the by-products and derivatives, shall be allowed only for scientific, or breeding or propagation purposes, and provided that only the accredited individuals, business, research, educational or scientific entities shall be allowed to collect for conservation breeding or propagation purposes.

As of May 3, the wildlife species, along with other paraphernalia, such as the motorcycle and cellphone used by Saunar, are under the custody of the DENR-NCR Office, while awaiting the results of the case filed against the suspect. ###