Tortoises, pawikan rescued from illegal wildlife trade

Several tortoises and sea turtles were rescued in separate entrapment operations in Antipolo City and Tawi-Tawi by the police. 

According to Marisol Abduhraman's exclusive report on 24 Oras, the endangered animals were allegedly sold online or to be eaten as culinary delicacies.

Five live tortoises crammed into a black plastic container were rescued in Antipolo City from a seller.

The operation was conducted after the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group received information of the online sale of the reptiles worth nearly P300,000.

"Naka-engage nila yung seller, nagkaroon ng agreement for a fee. Bawal ang pag aalaga, pagta-traffic, pagbebenta," said Police Brigadier Jonathan Cabal, PNP Maritime Group Director. 

(They engaged with the seller and there was a fee agreement. Owning, trafficking and selling of these animals is prohibited by law.)

The authorities are now investigating where the tortoises came from. They are usually kept as household pets.

"Sa impormasyong nakuha ng Maritime, matagal nang sangkot sa wildlife trafficking ang suspect na tumangging magbigay ng pahayag," said Cabal.

(According to the information obtained by Maritime Police, the suspect, who refused to give a statement, has been involved in wildlife trafficking for quite some time.)

"Kung makakuha sila ng birds, iguana. Meron sila iba’t ibang sources ng illicit trade," he added. 

(If they acquire birds, iguanas. They have different sources of illicit trade.)

Meanwhile, in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, authorities also rescued at least 10 sea turtles or pawikan from another seller. 

"Delicacy kasi ito.  Ginagawang exotic food. So usually sa mga Chinese restaurants. Covert ito, hindi ito lantad. Ito yung tipong underground economy. Ginagawang musical instrument yung shell nya. Sometimes for  decorations," said Cabal.

(These are considered a delicacy. They are sold as exotic food, usually served in Chinese restaurants. It's covert, it's not exposed. This is part of the underground economy. Its shell is turned into a musical instrument or decorations.)

Even the turtle eggs are sold. They are transported to Zamboanga City and from threshold to different places around the country.

"Pinagbabawal yung trafficking. Sabi nga ng ating Chief PNP, hindi lang kaligtasan ng tao but of course ang kaligtasan ng lahat pati ng mga likas na yaman," Cabal added.

(Trafficking is prohibited. As our PNP chief said, we also ensure not only the safety of people but the safety of all, including our natural resources.)

Criminal complaints have been filed against the suspects.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News