FOR its invaluable assistance and support in curbing illegal wildlife trade, the Bureau of Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan and team, received Plaques of Commendation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB).
The plaques of commendation were awarded to officers and personnel of the enforcement agencies during the 9th Wildlife Law Enforcement Awarding Ceremony in line with the celebration of the 2023 World Wildlife Day with the theme “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation” at the BMB Training Center Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Diliman Quezon City.
The event was attended by Sen. Cynthia Villar, Chairperson, Environmental Natural Resources and Climate Change, Cong. Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr., Chairperson, Committee in Natural Resources, Dir. Kelia Cummins, Director, US Embassy International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Jenna Dawson-Faber, Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia, UNODC Global Programme on Crimes the Affect Environment, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, top officials of DENR and other national governments, non-government organizations and other private stakeholders.
In her inspirational message, Villar highlighted the importance of partnership, dedication, and coordination among all partner agencies and the Bureau of Customs.
To date, the Bureau of Customs – NAIA apprehended and seized various smuggling attempts of wildlife species such as poisonous spiders, tarantulas, snakes, marine animals, and other CITES species in coordination with the Enforcement Security Service – Environmental Protection and Compliance Division – NAIA (ESS-EPCD-NAIA) and DENR.
Under Section 27(i) of Republic Act No. 9147, the penalty for “transporting of wildlife” without the necessary permit is imprisonment of six months and one day to one year and/or fine of P50,000 to P100,000.
Meantime, Talusan stressed that the Port would continue coordinating with the DENR and maintain its vigilance and dedication to border protection.
“Under the guidance of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC-NAIA remains committed to strengthening border control and curbing the importation of illegal wildlife and cites species in the country, she said.
