The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recognized the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for its assistance and support to the government’s campaign against illegal wildlife trade.
BOC port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) collector Carmelita Talusan and her team received plaques of commendation from the DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) over the weekend.
NAIA Customs agents foiled a series of attempts to smuggle wil life species such as poisonous spiders, tarantulas, snakes, marine animals, in coordination with the Enforcement Security Service—Environmental Protection and Compliance Division—NAIA (ESS-EPCD-NAIA) and DENR
The awards were given in line with the celebration of the 2023 World Wildlife Day with the theme “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation” held at the BMB Training Center Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Diliman Quezon City.
Under Section 27(i) of Republic Act No. 9147, the penalty for “transporting of wildlife” without the necessary permit is imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and/or fine of Fifty thousand pesos (50,000) to One hundred thousand pesos (100,000).
Collector Talusan stressed that Port of NAIA would continue coordinating with the DENR and maintain its vigilance and dedication to border protection.
“The bureau under the guidance of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio remains committed to strengthening border control and curbing the importation of illegal wildlife and cites species in the country,” she said.
In December, Customs NAIA agents seized a shipment of 23 smuggled tarantulas at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City. The parcel from Hanoi, Vietnam, consigned to a claimant in Makati City, was declared as “Snacks and other Foodstuffs.” When examined, 23 tarantulas were discovered concealed in plastic containers.
The importer was charged with violation of Section 1113 in relation to Sections 117 and 1401 of R public Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Section 27 of RA 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
