Authorities arrested two Indonesians and three Filipinos for allegedly transporting birds illegally in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

Personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS)-Governor Generoso received information from a barangay official about a suspicious motorized banca about three nautical miles off Barangay Pundaguitan.

CGSS-Governor Generoso intercepted the watercraft with alleged undocumented wildlife that included 27 Moluccan cockatoos; 21 rainbow lorikeets; 26 red lories; and several marsupials such as northern and common spotted cuscus.

The five arrested were turned over to the local police for inquest proceedings.

They may face charges for alleged violation of Wildlife Protection Act (RA 9147).

On the other hand, the undocumented birds were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Investigation into the illegal wildlife trade in the region continues.

“The operation underscores ongoing efforts to enforce wildlife protection laws and combat illegal trafficking of endangered species in the region,” Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao said.