In fight vs wildlife trade DVMF ‘not deputized’ by DENR

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) said that while they are willing to put an end to illegal wildlife trading, they are not deputized to do so under Republic Act 9147.

This after the Cebu City Council requested DVMF to put an end to the illegal wildlife trading along Magallanes Street.

Resolution No. 14-1370-2018 passed last April 3, requested the DVMF to go after the illegal trade or to apprehend illegal wildlife traders along Magallanes Street where endangered animals are allegedly sold.

However, city veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang said the DVMF is not deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to handle the illegal trade of wildlife.

“I am always with a full heart willing to undertake measures to curtail the illegal trade of wildlife. However, I am constrained by the provisions of the legal authority on the wildlife conservation more specifically R.A. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act which specifically provides in Section 30 for the deputation of wildlife enforcement officers,” said Utlang in the letter she sent to the City Council last April 13.

Garganera, the sponsor of the resolution, was disappointed to know that the other city officials are not giving too much importance to animals.

“Medyo nasubo lang ko nga ang city, you know, if you really love the animals ba, if you really love the environment ba, you should at least show concern ba nga mo ingon lang dayon ka nga dili man ako ana. Dili man mi authorized ana,” said Garganera.

Utlang said that personnel expected to handle wildlife should undergo training first before being deputized. She added that they requested DENR for training last year, but there was a shortage of instructors.

She added that they will have training next month.

Meanwhile, some vendors along Magallanes Street said they are not afraid of losing their livelihood.

Cherry Dakay, 31, said that they are not worried about the said resolution as they do not sell endangered animals or species.

“Wala ra man mi ana kay wala man sad mi namaligya og illegal or endangered,” said Dakay, who added that most of the animals that are sold along Magallanes Street are bred, and not captured or obtained illegally.

Dakay has been selling rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and different kinds of birds for 15 years. — Shainna Marie O. Edullantes, CNU Comm intern/BRP (FREEMAN)