Published on: June 25, 2022
Updated as of June 25, 2022 8:27 am
By DENR-8
TACLOBAN CITY -- A pair of critically endangered Philippine Hanging Parakeet (colasisi) and a pair of white-eared brown dove (alimukon) were turned over by residents to the Maritime Law Enforcement stationed at Brgy. Alegria, Caibiran, Biliran.
Assessed by a licensed veterinarian as physically fit, said species were immediately released at the forested area of Brgy. Talustusan, Naval.
“It is becoming a practice among residents to immediately report to proper authorities each time they come across somebody in their locality with unlawful possession of any form of wildlife. Probably a product of our sustained effort of conducting information, education, and communication (IEC) activities regarding environmental laws among the communities”, said Maria Cristina Alberto Santos, designated information officer of PENRO-Biliran.
Under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 that updated the list of threatened Philippine fauna and their categories, the Philippine Hanging Parrot, commonly known as “colasisi” is categorized as critically endangered. Meaning, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. While not listed among those threatened Philippine fauna, possession of the white-eared brown dove without a permit is still unlawful per provision of Republic Act 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“We call on the citizenry to support our effort to curb, if not totally halt, injuring, killing and the illegal trade of wildlife. As responsible stewards of the environment, immediately report to the nearest DENR field office or other law enforcement agencies any information relative to any violation of R.A. 9147,” reminded Arturo E. Fadriquela, OIC-Regional Executive Director of DENR in Region 8. (DENR-8)
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