2 wildlife traffickers arrested in Bulacan, 2 endangered cockatoos rescued

These two white umbrella cockatoos were rescued from two online sellers in Baliwag town, Bulacan province. PHOTO FROM DENR CENTRAL LUZON

BALIWAG, Bulacan–Authorities here on Monday (May 3) rescued two white umbrella cockatoos and arrested two men who allegedly were selling the birds online, where wildlife trafficking and other crimes thrive with impunity.

The suspects were identified as Alvin Santos, 48, and his son Rendel Santos, 21, of Barangay Tarcan this town.

Don Guevarra, information officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon, said the two were caught in an entrapment operation after they sold the endangered species to an undercover agent for P85,000.

Guevarra said the suspects failed to show permit to possess, sell and transport the birds that were reportedly shipped from Indonesia by an unknown group.

The DENR officials and local police carried out the operation after they were tipped off by an environmental preservation advocate in Southern Luzon who scouts social media accounts for online sellers of endangered species.

The suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

TSB