7 protected birds rescued in Ormoc wildlife entrapment operation
TACLOBAN CITY — Seven live protected birds, including three Rufous Hornbills and two Samar Hornbills, were rescued after authorities arrested a man allegedly caught selling wildlife without the required permits in Ormoc City, Leyte.
In a report on Monday (Aug. 24), the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO)- Ormoc City said suspect, a resident of Barangay Caridad, Baybay City, was apprehended at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 in Barangay South, Ormoc City, during an entrapment operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Northern Leyte Provincial Field Unit.
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Authorities said the suspect was allegedly caught in the act of selling or trading the wildlife specimens without the necessary permits, clearances or other supporting documents required under Philippine wildlife protection laws.
The operation was carried out in coordination with Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ormoc, the Wildlife Conservation Unit of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC), and Station 1 of the Ormoc City Police Office.
Barangay South officials witnessed the operation.
Confiscated during the operation were three live Rufous Hornbills, two live Samar Hornbills and two live Yellow-breasted Fruit Doves.
A genuine P500 bill used as buy-bust money and four P1,000 boodle bills were also recovered as evidence.
The birds were placed under the custody of appropriate authorities for identification, documentation, physical examination and safekeeping.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and brought to the CIDG Northern Leyte PFU office for documentation and investigation.
He was charged for violating Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, particularly Section 27(e)(i), before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Ormoc City.
Following the operation, the birds were brought to the Ormoc City Veterinary Office for physical examination and assessment.
Subject to the required documentation and clearance, the rescued birds were transferred to the Ormoc City Terrestrial Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Dolores for rehabilitation, care and proper disposition. INQ
