DENR saves 11 ‘bayawak’ openly sold in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — At least 11 “bayawak” (Luzon monitor lizards) being peddled on a highway in the coastal town of Sasmuan were recovered by environment personnel in Pampanga province.

The lizards came from Lubao town and nearby Bataan province, according to a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon.

The peddlers are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which imposes a penalty of one-year imprisonment and P1-million maximum fine. —TONETTE OREJAS