Illegal wildlife shipment intercepted in Davao Oriental

DAVAO CITY – Authorities successfully intercepted an illegal wildlife transport operation off the coast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals and the confiscation of endangered species, in violation of Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The operation, carried out by the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Governor Generoso, the Municipal Police Station, and the local government unit of Governor Generoso, occurred on November 28 following a tip from Barangay Kagawad Ronald C. Matinao. Matinao reported suspicious activity involving a motorized banca (MBCA) approximately 3 nautical miles off the coast of Barangay Pundaguitan.

At around 3:00 PM, the Coast Guard, in coordination with local law enforcement, deployed a team to investigate. By 4:00 PM, the CGSS and the Coast Guard Investigation Unit (CGIU) of Davao Oriental intercepted the unregistered banca with five crew members aboard—two Indonesian nationals and three Filipinos.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered a haul of undocumented wildlife, including:

• 27 Moluccan Cockatoos
• 21 Rainbow Lorikeets
• 26 Red Lories
• Several marsupials, including Northern and Common Spotted Cuscus

The wildlife, all listed as endangered or threatened species, had no documentation, further confirming the illegal activity.

By 4:40 PM, the banca and its crew were transported to Montserrat Fish Port for further investigation. The individuals were handed over to local police for inquest proceedings, while the confiscated wildlife was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for safekeeping and proper handling.

The unregistered banca remains in the custody of CGSS Governor Generoso for further investigation, as authorities continue to probe the network involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

This operation highlights ongoing efforts to enforce wildlife protection laws and combat the illegal trafficking of endangered species in the region. Authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting biodiversity and holding violators accountable.

The interception serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the country’s rich but threatened wildlife resources.