The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aided in apprehending three Filipinos and two Indonesian nationals involved in the illegal transport of wildlife in Davao Oriental on 28 November 2024.
The Municipal Police Station and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Governor Generoso also joined the arrest in violation of the Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Governor Generoso were alerted by Barangay Kagawad Ronald Matinao about a suspicious motorized banca operating off the coast of Barangay Pundaguitan.
The joint law enforcement team intercepted an unregistered motorized banca with five crew members on board — three Filipinos and two Indonesian nationals.
Upon inspection, the team discovered a haul of undocumented wildlife, including 27 Mollucan Cockatoos, 21 Rainbow Lorikeets, 26 Red Lories, and several marsupials such as Northern and Common Spotted Cuscus.
The team transported the boat and its crew to Montserrat Fish Port for further investigation.
The suspects were handed over to the local police for inquest proceedings, while the confiscated wildlife was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for safekeeping and proper handling.
As of press time, the motorized banca remains under the PCG's custody for further investigation.
According to the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), the operation underscored ongoing efforts to enforce wildlife protection laws and combat illegal trafficking of endangered species in the region.