2 brothers arrested for wildlife trading

CEBU, Philippines — Two siblings were nabbed by the National Bureau of Investigation Cebu District Office for illegally trading and transporting at least seven animals list as protected species.

NBI-CEBDO head agent Arnel Pura identified them as Abel Dakay and his younger brother Billy Dakay, both Cebu City residents.

The operation, which took place last Monday, was conducted in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) in Barangay Lorega, Cebu City.

During the operation, authorities seized several live protected species, including one Palawan Hill Myna bird, two Indian Ringneck birds, one Burmese python, one iguana, one Sailfin Lizard, and one Hawk Eagle.

Authorities also confiscated two ?1,000 bills used as marked money, a motorcycle with sidecar used to transport the animals, and a mobile phone.

NBI agent Niño Rodriguez, who led the investigation, said they received information about a certain Kain Dakay who allegedly sold threatened species, including the Common Hill Myna and reportedly a Philippine eagle. Investigation later confirmed he was indeed involved in the illegal sale of animals.

An undercover agent acted as a poseur-buyer and offered ?142,000 for the animals.

Abel asked for a meet-up for the intended sale to take place along the road near the Grand Tejero Cockpit Arena in Cebu City last Monday. Abel then approached the vehicle of the undercover agents and instructed them to proceed to an open space along MJ Cuenco Avenue.

There, the motorcycle with a sidecar driven by Billy pulled up. Several boxes and cages were unloaded. Once Abel counted the money given by the poseur-buyer, a pre-arranged signal was given and he was arrested.

It was later determined that Abel Dakay, who also used the alias “Kain Dacay” doesn’t have a Certificate of Wildlife Registration, a Wildlife Farm Permit, or a Local Transport Permit issued by DENR.

The siblings will face charges for violating Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Authorities said this wasn’t the first time the siblings were arrested for illegal wildlife trading as they were also apprehended in 2019 for a similar case.

Rodriguez added that the siblings were only responsible for sourcing the species based on the demands of their buyers.

Pura also mentioned that during the Sinulog festival, animals like snakes and iguanas are exploited for photo opportunities in exchange for a fee.

He added that since these transactions are actively taking place on social media, they will strengthen their coordination with DENR and initiate cybercrime patrolling to combat this illegal wildlife trading scheme.

DENR-CENRO officer-in-charge Romeo Bolutano Jr. said the rescued animals will be transferred to the rescue center for proper care and rehabilitation. He also said illegal wildlife trading has been rampant recently and reminded the public these animals shouldn’t be used for public display. He emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife and adhering to legal and ethical standards in handling them.

The suspects admitted that they were only recently involved with the wildlife trading, especially since their sales of love birds has been very slow. They said they were contacted by an acquaintance from the City of Naga who had a regular buyer looking for these types of animals.

They mentioned getting paid ?5,000 each for every animal sold.

“Hinay g’yud ang baligya bantog na-enganyo mi ug nangita mi ana,” said Abel. — (FREEMAN)