CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Four exotic tarantulas have been rescued by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in Olongapo City and turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure their proper handling.
Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Olongapo City, said the rescued arachnids comprised one Chaco golden knee tarantula, one Mexican flame tarantula, one Mexican fireleg tarantula, and one curly hair tarantula.
Sernadilla said the office completed the required documentation before transferring the tarantulas to the Wildlife in Need (WIN) Rescue Center for examination, proper care, and safekeeping pending their appropriate disposition.
Marife Castillo, provincial head of the DENR in Zambales, said the turnover highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in implementing wildlife protection laws and ensuring the welfare of rescued animals.
“Our continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies strengthens wildlife protection efforts and ensures that rescued animals are handled in accordance with established protocols. Through this partnership, wildlife is safely turned over to authorized facilities where appropriate care and evaluation can be provided,” Castillo said.
DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo commended the PNP Maritime Group for the prompt turnover of the rescued animals to the DENR. “Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility, and partnerships like this help ensure that rescued species receive appropriate care while safeguarding our biodiversity.”
Pablo also reminded the public to immediately report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the DENR.
“Exotic wildlife requires proper handling and assessment. We encourage the public to coordinate with the DENR instead of keeping, transporting, or releasing these animals without proper authority to ensure both public safety and wildlife welfare,” he added.
The DENR reiterated that the possession, transport, and trade of wildlife are regulated under RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Ac)t. The agency urged the public to report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the nearest DENR office or other authorized wildlife authorities for proper handling and disposition.
The rescued tarantulas will remain under the care of the WIN Rescue Center while wildlife authorities complete their evaluation and determine the appropriate disposition of the animals. DENR-3
