The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group coordinate the proper turnover and handling of four rescued exotic tarantulas, including Chaco golden knee, Mexican flame, Mexican fireleg, and curly hair tarantulas. The rescued arachnids were turned over to the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City and subsequently transferred to the Wildlife in Need (WIN) Rescue Center for examination, care, and safekeeping pending their appropriate disposition.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group coordinated the proper turnover and handling of four rescued exotic tarantulas in Olongapo City, Zambales.
In a Statement on Thursday, Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, said the rescued arachnids were turned over by the Maritime Police Station to the DENR for proper documentation, handling and disposition.
The rescued wildlife consisted of one Chaco golden knee tarantula, one Mexican flame tarantula, one Mexican fireleg tarantula and one curly hair tarantula.
Sernadilla said the DENR completed the required documentation before transferring the animals to the Wildlife in Need (WIN) Rescue Center, where they will undergo examination and receive proper care and safekeeping pending their final disposition.
Marife Castillo, DENR Zambales provincial head, said the turnover demonstrates the importance of coordination between environmental authorities and law enforcement agencies in implementing wildlife protection laws and ensuring the welfare of rescued animals.
“Our continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies strengthens wildlife protection efforts and ensures that rescued animals are handled in accordance with established protocols,” Castillo said.
She added that such coordination ensures rescued wildlife are turned over to authorized facilities where they can receive appropriate care and assessment.
Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the PNP Maritime Group for its prompt coordination with the agency.
“We thank the PNP Maritime Group for ensuring that these rescued animals were immediately turned over to the proper authorities. Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility,” Pablo said.
Pablo also reminded the public to immediately report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the DENR or other authorized wildlife authorities.
“Exotic wildlife requires proper handling and assessment. We encourage the public to coordinate with the DENR instead of keeping, transporting, or releasing these animals without proper authority,” he said.
The DENR reiterated that the possession, transport and trade of wildlife are regulated under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The agency urged the public to report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the nearest DENR office or other authorized wildlife authorities to ensure their proper handling and disposition.
The four tarantulas will remain under the care of the WIN Rescue Center while wildlife authorities complete their evaluation and determine their appropriate disposition. (Jason De Asis)