The recovered ‘exotic’ birds. Photo courtesy of the NBI PIO
Fil-Chinese couple collared for selling endangered birds in Manila
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a Filipino-Chinese couple for selling “exotic” and endangered birds in an entrapment operation in Manila.
The NBI-Environmental Crimes Division (NBI-EnCD) tagged the suspects for trading and selling the endangered birds.
Acting on an intelligence report, the NBI-EnCD conducted surveillance and confirmed that one of the suspects was selling exotic birds, including the endangered “Sun Conure,” without necessary permits.
Verification with the DENR-NCR and Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) confirmed that the birds were categorized as “endangered species.”
On March 9, 2023, the NBI-EnCD, with the BMB personnel, conducted an entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of the couple and seizure of 29 Sun Conure birds.
An adult Sun Conure can cost up to US$500 or P27,000.
The duo was presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila, for violating the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175.
