FIVE INDIVIDUALS were arrested in Barangay Wines, Baguio District for alleged illegal hunting and possessing of large flying foxes, a species classified as threatened species.
According to the press release of DENR-Davao on May 7, the individuals violated Sec. 27 of Republic Act 9147, known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation conducted by Cenro-Davao and PNP Maritime Group following a tip-off from an informant about the illegal activities in barangays Wines and Gumalang.
Large flying foxes are classified under Other Threatened Species in the List of Threatened Species per DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15 and the 2017 Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species or CITES List of Threatened Species.
The evidence is collected under the custody of Cenro-Davao and the suspects are currently detained in the Baguio District Police Station.
“The swift action of the joint operatives underscored the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity,” DENR-Davao said in a press release.
The species, also called “large fruit bat” feeds on fruits, nectar, and flowers, and is considered a significant pollinator.
DENR Davao advises the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities threatening the wildlife.
The public may report similar events at the DENR Davao page or call numbers 09673548827 for Globe and 09476116083 for Smart.
