Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade: PHILIPPINE INITIATIVES

Question 1

It is among the top four illicit business industries, along with drug, weapon & human trafficking. It is estimated at a global scale to be worth US$7-21 Billion per year

Answer 1

ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE (Wildlife trafficking)

Question 2

Most Illegally Trade species

Answer 2

1. Marine Turtle
   
   • Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
   • Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
   • Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
2. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) - V
3. Palawan Pangolin (Manis culionensis) - CE

Question 3

Main reasons for wildlife trafficking

Answer 3

• Local pet trade
• To cure illness and bring good health or well-being
• High demand

Question 4

Legal Bases in combating illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines.

Answer 4

1. Republic Act 9147
2. Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 2004-01
3. DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55
4. DENR Memo Circular 2010-17 dated 18 October 2010

Question 4

IRR prescribing the procedures and
guidelines for the implementation of the
Wildlife Act

Answer 4

Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative
Order No. 2004-01

Question 6

otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act” (Wildlife
Act)

Answer 6

Republic Act 9147

Question 7

DENR Streamlining/procedural
guidelines pursuant to the Joint IRR

Answer 7

DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55

Question 8

• adopting the “Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual of Operations”
  (WLE-MOP) as guide in the enforcement
  of RA 9147

Answer 8

DENR Memo Circular 2010-17 dated 18 October 2010

Question 9

A Legal basis with an objective to regulate collection and trade of wildlife

Answer 9

RA 9147

Question 10

Objectives of RA 9147 (sec 2)

Answer 10

• To conserve and protect
  wildlife species and their
  habitats to promote
  ecological balance and
  enhance biological
  diversity
• To initiate or support
  scientific studies on
  the conservation of
  biological diversity
• To pursue, with due
  regard to the national
  interest, the Philippine
  commitment to
  international
• conventions on the
  protection of wildlife
  and their habitats

Question 11

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered in Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES, is also known as

Answer 11

Washington Convention
(concluded in Washington),

Question 12

an international agreement between Governments which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival

Answer 12

Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Question 13

Parties to CITES are required, among others, to enact a National
Legislation that at the very least, must:

Answer 13

• designate a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority
• prohibit trade in specimens in violation of the Convention
• penalize such trade
• allow for the confiscation of illegally traded or possessed specimens

Question 13

Systems and Tools Development in the Current Efforts include:

Answer 13

1. WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL OF OPERATIONS
2. Environmental Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (ELEMIS)
3. WildALERT

Question 14

approved by the DENR Secretary
for adoption and nationwide
implementation on 18 October
2010, through Memorandum
Circular No. 2010-17

Answer 14

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL OF OPERATIONS

Question 14

provides the legal processes,
documentary requirements and
technical references in the
enforcement of R.A. 9147

Answer 14

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL OF OPERATIONS

Question 15

provides the standard monitoring,
reporting, and documentary forms to facilitate the prosecution of wildlife-related cases

Answer 15

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL OF OPERATIONS

Question 16

tasks the BMB (then PAWB) and the Regional Offices to disseminate the MOP and to undertake capacity building to
ensure efficient and effective application of the Manual by all concerned

Answer 16

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL OF OPERATIONS

Question 17

• web-based system that aims to: 1) facilitate gathering, recording and analysis of evidence on incidents related to environmental law violation; 2) serve as a tool for enforcers to prepare necessary forms or reports from apprehension to filing of cases; and, 3) track down and monitor status of incidents/cases, including seized/confiscated items
• developed and will be managed by the DENR- Knowledge
  and Information Systems Service (KISS)

Answer 17

Environmental Law Enforcement Management Information
Systems (ELEMIS)

Question 17

a comprehensive species identification and response mobile application to combat wildlife trafficking & help frontline wildlife law enforcement agencies correctly identify, report and handle perpetrators caught in the illegal wildlife trade

Answer 17

WildALERT

Question 18

initiated in 2010, this campaign is an attempt to broaden the knowledge of airport authorities, airline companies, courier service providers and other entities operating within major ports on national and international policies
governing ivory and wildlife trade, and for us to gain more active support in curbing illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products in the country

• Twenty three (23) ports have been covered by this campaign, including participants from PNP, PCG, PPA, DA (BAI and BFAR), PhilPost, airline and shipping companies operating in nearby ports, and the LGU, among others.

Answer 18

◉ Orientation-Seminar on National and Internal Policies on Wildlife Trade

by

Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)
or Community Education & Public Awareness (CEPA)

Question 18

• aims to develop a pool of trainers that will assist in the dissemination and
  application of the WLE-MOP nationwide
• A total of 493 officials/personnel from the regional and field offices of the DENR, various government agencies including local government units, and the
  civil society trained in the past 9 years

Answer 18

Training of Trainers on the Application of Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual of
Operations

with Capacity Building

Question 19

• piloted held last 18-24 March 2018 in our effort to develop a standard training program on wildlife forensics and criminal investigation
• with support from US Government’s 2 projects: USAID Protect Wildlife Project
  and USDOI-International Technical Assistance Program’s Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation 3 (PBC3)

Answer 19

Wildlife Forensic and Criminal Investigation Training

with

Capacity Building

Question 19

* Aims to capacitate DENR Field personnel in wildlife species identification, handling, and wildlife conservation management techniques. * A 5-session, 2-week training scheduled in August and October 2018, and first half of 2019. * Each session will focus on a particular taxon (Herpetofauna, Birds, Mammals, Insects and Plants)

Answer 19

Training on Wildlife Conservation and Management: Species Identification, Handling and Management Techniques/ (WCMT) with Capacity Building

Question 20

Major tasks include investigation of ivory smuggling, trans-border poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines and filing of case against law violators; Members include officers from the Philippine National Police (NCR Police Office and Criminal Investigation & Detection Group), Bureau of Customs, Office of the President – National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Answer 20

Creation of Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (POGI) , 21 June 2013

Question 20

Capacity Building in the current efforts inlclude:

Answer 20

1. Training of Trainers on the Application of Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual of Operations 2. Wildlife Forensic and Criminal Investigation Training 3. Training on Wildlife Conservation and Management: Species Identification, Handling and Management Techniques/ (WCMT)

Question 21

Law enforcement in current efforts include:

Answer 21

1. Creation of Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (POGI) , 21 June 2013 2. Task Force DENR Enforcers Metro Manila (TF-DEMM)

Question 21

Major tasks include investigation of ivory smuggling, trans-border poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines and filing of cases against law violators; Members include officers from the Philippine National Police (NCR Police Office and Criminal Investigation & Detection Group), Bureau of Customs, Office of the President – National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Answer 21

Creation of Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (POGI) , 21 June 2013

Question 22

* DENR Special Order No. 2017-812, 19 Oct. 2017 * Tasks are to apprehend illegal forest products, wildlife, conveyances, etc.; hold violators accountable; and, file administrative, civil or criminal cases against the violators, among other responsibilities * Functions expanded to cover the whole country thru an Addendum dated 18 January 2018.

Answer 22

Task Force DENR Enforcers Metro Manila (TF-DEMM)

Question 22

6 Regions/areas with most number of confiscated animals:

Answer 22

- MIMAROPA and PCSD - NCR - Region 12 - Region 13 - CALABARZON - Region 11

Question 22

A sample of Wildlife Law Enforcement Operation in Metro Manila in which the joint team conducted an operation which resulted to a confiscation of 4 individuals of wild fauna. It includes: 2 hds of Brahminy Kite, 1 hd of White-breasted Sea Eagle, 1 hd of Changeable Hawk Eagle. Criminal case has been filed aagainst the apprehended individual.

Answer 22

Sta. Mesa, Manila June 06, 2020

Question 23

WHERE WHEN?? The joint team conducted an operation which resulted to a confiscation of 56 individuals of wild fauna. It includes: 4 hds of Green Iguana, 2 Red footed Tortoise, 4 Rainbow/Coconut Lory, 10 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Green- cheeked Conure/Parakeet, 7 Cockatiel, 2 Crimson bellied Conure, 13 African Lovebird, 1 Red rumped Parakeet, and 11 Diamond Dove. Criminal case has been filed against the 3 individuals.

Answer 23

Oriental Mindoro December 10, 2019

Question 24

WHERE WHEN?? The entrapment operation was set and resulted to the confiscation of 315 grams of Agarwood from a Malaysian National. Criminal case has been filed against the individual.

Answer 24

Mandaluyong City November 4, 2019

Question 24

WHERE WHEN??? Buy-bust operation was set that leads to the apprehension of three (3) individuals and confiscation of 15.3 kilos of agarwood. Criminal case has been filed against the 3 individuals

Answer 24

Quezon City October 11, 2019

Question 24

WHERE WHEN??? Based on information given by an asset; a buy-bust operation was set that leads to the apprehension of Two(2) individuals and confiscation of 450 hds of various species of exotic wildlife believed to have originated from Indonesia * Criminal case has been filed against the 2 individuals. Accused has been convicted.

Answer 24

Sitio Manggihay, Brgy. Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental 08 April 2019

Question 25

WHERE WHEN??? Four unclaimed/abandoned baggage at Terminal 2, Arrival Area, NAIA, Pasay City from Hong Kong were subjected to x-ray and yielded positive of various species tortoise and freshwater turtles totaling 1530 hds. The subject person in the attempted smuggling is now under investigation

Answer 25

Terminal 2, Arrival Area, NAIA, Pasay City 03 March 2019

Question 26

WHERE WHEN??? Based on report that an eatery in Cebu City serves turtle meat stew; said eatery also sells raw turtle meat * Five (5) individuals were apprehended, including the owner and the eatery’s cook * A total of 94.5 kgs of marine turtle meat were confiscated * Criminal case has been filed against the 5 individuals

Answer 26

Brgy. Pasil, Cebu City 11 December 2018

Question 26

WHERE WHEN?? 6 hds of monitor lizards concealed inside a 4-pc-set Xenon speakers were intercepted at the FEDEX Cargo area

Answer 26

FEDEX, NAIA 2, Pasay Case 28 December 2016

Question 26

WHERE?? Involved a DOTr-OTS officer * 46 hds of various wildlife including Tarsiers, Scops owls, and monitor lizards were intercepted at the PAL Cargo Area * The shipment was declared as aquatic plants and were bound for Japan * Court hearing on the case against the shipper is still in progress

Answer 26

NAIA Case

Question 26

WHERE WHEN?? 164.69 kgs of eviscerated meat of Pangolins, 13 sacks of seahorse, and a sack of sea dragons were confiscated by the Philippine Coast Guard from a cargo truck aboard MV Francis Xavier at Pier 4, North Harbor, Manila. The cargo truck was accompanied by Marjun Sueta, the driver and his helper, Benjio Estrella. Criminal charges were filed against the two individuals.

Answer 26

Pier 4, North Harbor, Manila 13 January 2017

Question 27

WHERE WHEN??? * Raid of a residential house in New Manila, Quezon City * Confiscated 167 wild fauna (African spurred tortoise, Aldabra giant tortoise, Philippine pond turtle, Red-footed tortoise, Green iguana, Boa constrictor, Ball python, Reticulated python and Gray’s monitor lizard) * A criminal case has been filed against Mr. Kerwin Ang. On 22 May 2018, the Court found him guilty of violating Sec 27(f)of RA 9147.

Answer 27

Sta. Mesa Heights case December 16, 2014

Question 27

WHERE WHEN??? 504 Pitcher plants, 459 Lady slippers’ orchids were confiscated from an individual in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; criminal complaint was filed against the said individual; the Court found said person guilty of illegal possession and trading of afore-mentioned wild plant species.

Answer 27

Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte 21 February 2017

Question 27

WHERE WHEN??? involved a couple engaged in the buying and selling of Bantigue plants, an endangered species * 34 big sacks of the plants (dead and newly harvested) were seized * Bantigue plants are well-known in the horticultural industry as bonsai plants for ornamental, landscaping purposes * Dead specimens are used in the production of accessories (e.g. native bracelets), walking canes, tool handles, fence posts, etc.

Answer 27

Dingalan, Aurora – General Nakar, Quezon 09 August 2018

Question 27

WHERE WHEN??? Involved a businessman who was advertising wildlife sale through the internet * Charged also with exploitation of cave resources (stalactites, stalagmites) and marine resources such as hard corals, black corals, giant clams

Answer 27

Pagadian City case June 2014

Question 27

As of 2017, there are how many established wildlife rescue centers in our country?

Answer 27

58

Question 27

List of constantly monitored hotsopots in the Philippines

Answer 27

1 Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan 2 Hasa-Hasa Shoal or Half- moon Shoal, Palawan 3 Balabac Island, Palawan 4 Pangutaran Island, Tawi-tawi 5 Turtle Islands, Tawi-tawi 6 Glan, Saranggani 7 Balut Island, Davao del Sur 8 Lipata Port, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte 9 Northern Palawan-Cebu-Mindoro-Batangas-Cavite loop 10 Metro Manila & Central Luzon (Pampanga, Bulacan & Nueva Ecija)

Question 27

issue in which difficult to determine if traders are legitimate or not as those involved can use proxy names & accounts

Answer 27

Wildlife trade through the internet

Question 27

Issues and Challenges in combating illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines

Answer 27

Wildlife trade through the internet Insufficient capacity on wildlife identification Inadequate resources to track & crack down Strengthening & sustaining inter-agency Policy gaps especially in terms of penalty as deterrent Providing incentives to informants Valuing wildlife Different interpretation of penalty provisions of RA 9147 among Judges