CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — An 83-centimeter ball python (Python regius) was rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine National Police in a joint entrapment operation along the Roman Superhighway in Barangay San Pedro, Hermosa, Bataan.
Personnel from the Bataan Maritime Police Station and the Hermosa Municipal Police Station arrested a suspect for illegally trading and transporting the exotic snake in violation of RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).
Charges were also filed for violation of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), after discovering that the suspect allegedly used online platforms to facilitate the illegal wildlife transaction.
The police turned over the rescued python to the DENR through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Pilar, Bataan, for species identification, health assessment, documentation, and proper disposition in accordance with wildlife conservation laws and regulations.
CENRO Pilar chief Marivic Santos reported that the office assessed the snake and found it healthy and in good condition. “We will complete the required documentation and evaluation before transferring the python to a designated Wildlife Rescue Center, where it will receive proper care and management.” The ball python is classified as Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction globally. However, this classification does not exempt the species from Philippine wildlife laws and regulations governing its possession, transport, importation, and trade.
“The DENR is serious in its mission to protect and conserve the country’s biodiversity. This rescue shows how our strong coordination with law enforcement can stop illegal wildlife trade and safeguard our natural resources,” said DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo, commending the partnership between the DENR and the PNP in curbing illegal wildlife trade.
The DENR reminded the public that RA 9147 prohibits collecting, possessing, transporting, or trading wildlife without the necessary permits. The agency also emphasized that wildlife trafficking and the unauthorized transport of wildlife species are criminal offenses and urged the public to report suspected wildlife violations to the proper authorities to help protect the country’s biodiversity. DENR-3
