DENR warns vs wildlife species attackers

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Monday warned those who will kill or injure wildlife species, including birds, will be fined or charged before a court or both. In a press statement posted on DENR website, the agency said the penalty for killing or destroying vulnerable wildlife species is imprisonment of two years and one day to four years and/or a fine of P30,000 to P300,000. DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said he issued the warning following reports that some groups and individuals are actively engaged in hunting down birds -- some of which have been classified as vulnerable or threatened -- as a hobby or as a commercial venture. "I have issued an order to DENR field personnel to look for or monitor the activities of bird hunters and act accordingly, in coordination with local government and police officials," Atienza said. "We have a Wildlife Act aimed at conserving and protecting wildlife resources and habitats. This law explicitly prohibits the killing, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives. We must implement this," he added. He expressed concern about reports that bird hunting expeditions are being organized by certain groups, some have even advertised it on the internet, soliciting public participation. But DENR officials learned that some of these controversial web sites had been shut down following an uproar about photos posted on the web showing a group of individuals, with hunting rifles slung on their bodies, displaying lifeless Philippine ducks or Philippine mallards. The Philippine duck is a wild bird endemic to the country and classified as a vulnerable species. Though not yet endangered, the Philippine duck is under threat from adverse factors and is likely to be placed to the endangered category in the future. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines severely criticized the photos which showed the faces of the hunters and the dead birds as a "blatant disregard for the law." It also appealed to hunters to stop their sports hunting activities. Atienza directed the DENR legal division to study the filing of charges against the bird hunters. - GMANews.TV