Peddlers of Endangered Birds may Face 15 years

The two suspects arrested for peddling endangered birds last week may face a 15-year jail term and fine of up to P1.5 million, if proven guilty.

This was revealed by Loy Madrigal of the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office task force in an interview.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), according to Madrigal, was scheduled to file yesterday a string of criminal cases, one of which is violation of the provisions in the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, against suspects Alberto Primor and Stephen Ng-Sy, otherwise they would be forced to free them, as the reglamentary period would elapsed yesterday.

“I hope ma-file na ni nato karon or mapugos ta nga buhian sila,” said Madrigal, adding that the DENR, as of yesterday afternoon, was still preparing the affidavits of the complaint.

The suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation in San Roque, Talisay City, last Friday. Arresting authorities reportedly found in the possession of the two suspects two Philippine Hawk Eagles, one Serpent Eagle; six Cockatoos and an Amethyst Brown Dove, of which are considered endangered or threatened.

Madrigal said the suspects had been in the Capitol’s holding cell since Friday, and they would be turned over to the court, once the case is filed, where they can post bail.

Image Credit: cebudailynews.inquirer.net