50 “endangered” tortoises seized from Malaysian passenger

THE Port of NAIA under District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa announced the confiscation of 50 live endangered tortoises found hidden in the luggage of a Malaysian passenger arriving from Bangkok last June12.

The shipment was discovered after the passenger’s baggage was flagged during x-ray screening and marked for 100 percent physical inspection. The species were identified as Radiated and Indian Star Tortoises, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

BOC personnel immediately coordinated with the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

The seized wildlife was documented, inventoried, and turned over to the DENR for proper custody while the unidentified passenger was taken into custody for inquest proceeding for violation of Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) in relation to RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.