OLONGAPO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has taken custody of nine confiscated Philippine Hanging Parrots (Loriculus philippensis) turned over by the Philippine National Police in Olongapo City to strengthen government efforts to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
This places the seized birds under the care and jurisdiction of DENR for proper handling, documentation, and case filing in line with existing wildlife protection laws.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said wildlife protection requires cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders, and reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“According to our law, it is illegal to collect, possess, trade, import, or export wildlife in the Philippines without the necessary permits,” Pablo emphasized.
He urged communities to help protect wildlife by reporting illegal collection, possession, and trade of wild animals to environmental authorities, stressing that conservation is a shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Olongapo Head Edward Sernadilla explained that the confiscated animals will undergo inquest proceedings, and charges are being prepared for filing before the appropriate court in line with existing laws and regulations.
Locally known as “kulasisi,” these parrots are classified as Critically Endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which lists threatened wildlife species in the country. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
