𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧: 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝

𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙩𝙖𝙮, 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙣 -On the night of July 27, 2023, an entrapment operation by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) Wildlife Enforcement Section resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in wildlife trafficking. Among them, one hailed from Roxas, Palawan, while the remaining four were residents of Taytay, Palawan. The aforementioned individuals were caught red-handed, engaging in the illegal possession of pangolin scales, a protected species under the R.A. 9147 (Wildlife Act).

The operation took place around 10:30 in the evening at Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan. The apprehension was made for violation of the Wildlife Act, which strictly prohibits the poaching, sale,and possession of critically endangered wildlife species including pangolins. During the entrapment operation, Wildlife Enforcement Officers successfully seized and confiscated a substantial amount of evidence. Approximately twenty-seven (27) kilograms of pangolin scales were recovered from the possession of the accused. In addition to the illicit wildlife products, two (2) motor vehicles used by the traffickers to transport the contraband were also seized, further hindering their illegal activities.

The five accused are now in custody, awaiting due process and facing charges for their involvement in wildlife trafficking.

The Palawan Pangolin is listed as a “Critically Endangered Species” under PCSD Resolution No. 15-521.

The PCSDS reminds the public that any violation of the law and illegal possession of wildlife species, whether flora or fauna, are strictly prohibited and have corresponding penalties under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The PCSDS strongly advises anyone who has knowledge of any illegal activity involving wildlife species to immediately report or call the PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Unit (WEU) hotline (TNT) 09319642128 and (TM) 09656620248, or the PCSDS Front Desk hotline (Globe/TM) 0935-116-2336 and (Smart/TNT) 0948-937-2200. Messages can also be sent through our Facebook page.