3 nabbed for selling rare animals

Some of the 69 Palawan Hill Mynah or Gracula Religiosa peek out of their cage after police seized them from illegal traders Thursday. AP

MANILA, Philippines—Perhaps now they’ll know what it feels like to be caged.

Three men selling endangered animals were arrested on Wednesday evening after they were caught in a buy-bust operation organized by the Manila Police District Intelligence Division.

The MPD Intelligence Operations Unit arrested Luz Estacio, 56, of Katamanan St., Tondo; James Ferolino, 29; and Jake Vargas, 28, from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, at Estacio’s residence at around 10 p.m.

Recovered at the house were a serpent eagle, 17 assorted turtles and 69 Myna birds.

In a report, the intelligence division chief, Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr., narrated that his office had received information from a “confidential asset” about the alleged sale in the area of endangered wildlife.

A police officer was thus tasked to act as a poseur buyer.  The MPD-Intelligence unit personnel, Police Officer 3 Michael Pastor, accompanied by an arresting team, proceeded at around 9 p.m. to Estacio’s residence to conduct the buy-bust operation.

Pastor asked Estacio to quote the price for a Myna bird. Estacio at first said it would depend on the size and the age of the bird but he eventually sold Pastor one for P1,500.

As Pastor handed over the payment, he signaled to the operatives stationed in the area. The policemen were able to nab Estacio and his two cohorts red-handed.

The three apprehended men would be facing complaints of violating Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, for being dealers of “critically endangered species,” said Fojas.