Tuko trading thrives online amid govt warning

Buyers and sellers of tuko or gecko have turned to the Internet to facilitate the illegal trade of the reptile. According to a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras," buyers and sellers have even set-up accounts on the social networking site Facebook where users may post queries on particular tuko varieties they are looking for.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The tuko can cost up to a hundred thousand pesos. The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), however, reiterated that it is illegal to buy and sell geckos without a permit from government. While the gecko is not an endangered species, the bureau warns that the indiscriminate breeding and selling of the lizard could wreak havoc on the ecosystem. “[The illegal capturing and selling of geckos], pwedeng [magin sanhi ng] imbalance sa ating ecosystem. Kasi kung halimbawa bumaba iyong population natin ng tuko, tumataas naman ang population ng mga insekto na dapat [yung tuko ang] kumakain o nagcocontrol ng population," said Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim of the PAWB. Under Republic Act 9147 or the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act catching and selling of protected animals are illegal. Last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discouraged the public from catching and selling the reptile after reports surfaced that gecko was being harvested for their supposed medicinal properties. Higher demand overseas has also fueled the illegal trade in the country, according to the report.

“The law expressly provides that the collection, trade or transport of geckos without appropriate permits is punishable by imprisonment and fine... specifically, if the technique used in the capture of the gecko is inappropriate," said DENR chief Ramon Paje in a statement released on Tuesday. The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that there is no proof to support claims that geckos can cure cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, impotence and even Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). “Ang worry nga naming sa DOH, hindi nalang ‘yung kung nakakagaling or hindi. Baka sa halip na magpatingin o magpagamot, mag-rely sa paggamit ng tuko [at] sa halip na maagapan natin, baka lalong magkaroon ng problema," said Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Those guilty of catching and selling geckos face a three-year of jail time or a fine of P300,000. — With Bea Cupin/VS, GMA