DENR urged public to report poachers, collectors of illegal wildlife plants

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the public to report illegal poachers and collectors of wildlife amid reports of rampant illegal trade amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor said cutting, collecting and gathering wild plants in the forest is a violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“We want to remind everyone that collection and trade of threatened species are prohibited unless such acts are covered by a permit issued by the DENR, please help us protect our wildlife by not patronizing and reporting these illegal activities,” he said.
To report wildlife related crimes, please contact the DENR- Community Environment Offices nearest you through the following numbers:
CENRO Cebu City – 254-2565
CENRO Argao – 367-7387
CENRO Tagbilaran City – (038) 412-1026
CENRO Talibon – (038) 416-0156
CENRO Dumaguete City – (035) 422-4367
CENRO Ayungon – (038) 404-0829
Melicor said the effects of the pandemic might have led to community in rural areas to resort to poaching of wild plants as alternative source of income.
“For hunting and trading, the penalty ranges from two to four years of imprisonment and/or fine of P30,000 to P300,000 for hunting and P5,000 to P300,000 for trading of wildlife. For the mere transport of wildlife, the penalty is six months to one-year imprisonment and/or P50,000 to P100,000 fine,” the DENR said. AAC