Endangered birds seized from boat

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it had seized 114 endangered birds found on board a cargo vessel in Palawan.

Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente said the detachment in El Nido, Palawan recovered 71 talking mynahs (kiyaw), 42 green parrots (pikoy) and a cockatoo (katala) with a total market value of P145,000 on Aug. 6 on board MV Asuncion-4.

The seized endangered bird species were allegedly owned by Phoebe Trujello, 45; Grace Diaz, 31; Nimfa Cordero, 50; and Aida Oab, 50; all residents of Palawan.

According to the investigation, El Nido environment officer Robert Jaboli notified the PCG detachment about the presence of the birds on the Asuncion at around 11:40 p.m. on Aug. 6.

The ship, owned and operated by San Nicolas Shipping Lines, was captained by William Faeldog. The ship was heading to Manila when intercepted by the coast guard.

PCG personnel conducted an inspection of the cargo ship and found the endangered birds at the top deck.

Ricafrente said the confiscated birds were in the custody of the municipal environment office; they would be turned over to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Recreation Center in the Puerto Princesa City.