Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has apprehended 55 illegal wildlife traders and seized 394 wild animals and exotic species in 71 operations nationwide from January to August 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna pledged to combat wildlife trafficking and related illegal activities by working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), local government units, and other concerned agencies. Cuna emphasized the shared responsibility of wildlife protection, affirming the DENR's commitment to strengthening enforcement and collaborating with law enforcement and the public to safeguard wildlife and ensure effective implementation of environmental laws.

The wildlife confiscated during the operations included 224 various bird species, 97 reptiles, 54 amphibians, 10 mammals, and nine arachnids and insects. Parrots such as cockatoos, cockatiels, and macaws were among the most seized birds in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, while Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley saw the highest number of confiscated lovebirds. Reptile seizures comprised 79 lizards, primarily iguanas and geckos, 17 snakes, including vipers and pythons, and one caiman.

Central Visayas authorities seized 15 iguanas in separate operations, and DENR-NCR personnel intercepted shipments at an airport containing 60 dried geckos and 50 endangered radiated tortoises. Other operations led to the capture of rarer exotic animals, such as two bearcats or 'binturongs' and four gibbons from a trader in Soccsksargen, and nine tarantulas from various species in Calabarzon.

Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the collection, hunting, possession, transport, and sale of wildlife without the necessary permits or authority. The law enforces heavier penalties for violations involving threatened and critically endangered species.

The DENR has urged the public to report any suspected illegal collection, possession, sale, or trafficking of wild animals, including activities conducted through social media, to the nearest DENR regional office, by email at [email protected], by calling or messaging 0939-9180169 or 0939-9380876, or through the government's 8888 Citizens' Complaint Hotline.