Nearly 200 migratory birds for sale rescued, set free

Nearly 200 migratory birds that had been declared to be endangered in other countries and were being illegally sold by wildlife traders in Baliwag, Bulacan were set free by environmental authorities, GMA News' Athena Imperial reported Tuesday on "24 Oras."

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) rescued the migratory birds, said to be worth P18,000, that were tied up and being sold at a market in the province.

The traders, who escaped from authorities, were selling three birds for P100.

The birds are endangered in Hawaii, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, said the DENR.

Don Guevara, public affairs chief of DENR Central Luzon, called the incident "isolated."

He nevertheless warned that any person involved in the illegal wildlife trade would be liable under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources and Conservation Protection Law.

Illegal handling of migratory birds could also pose a risk to public health, Guevara said.

"'Wag na nila gagalawin ang mga ibon kasi baka may virus carrier at avian flu," said Guevara.

(Don't bother these birds as they might have a virus or may have the avian flu.)

The Philippines was free from the bird flu as of January, but the government reminded poultry farmers and other stakeholders to remain vigilant for any unusual mortalities.

The Philippine National Police and DENR said they would conduct a manhunt operation to arrest the illegal wildlife traders. — Consuelo Marquez/DVM, GMA News