Lapid wants inquiry on smuggling of endangered animals

Senator Lito Lapid has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the reported smuggling of endangered species in the country. Senate Resolution 577 seeks to direct the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry on the reported smuggling and illegal trade of endangered animals in the country, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. "There is a need to investigate this matter in order to institute further legislative measures that will effectively implement the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and address this recurring issue," said Lapid. The senator said he filed the measure after several endangered animals such as snakes, sea turtles, and tarantulas, and Mindoro Bleeding-heart pigeons, were confiscated in a raid of the Cartimar Market conducted by Pasay City authorities last June. He likewise said that a number of myna birds, serpent eagles, and Asian box turtles were recently seized from illegal traders in Manila, who brought the animals from Palawan and Bicol to be sold at the Aranque Market in Manila. "Despite efforts made by the authorities to apprehend illegal traders of threatened and endangered wildlife, the fact remains that illegal trading of endangered animals occur even in the most conspicuous places like the Aranque and Cartimar markets," he said. But aside from the inquiry, Lapid said there is also a need to educate locals regarding the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News