AROUND 20 pangolins were rescued from a wildfire trafficker in Palawan’s El Nido town.
After an investigation, authorities conducted a raid in Barangay Pasadeña where the pangolins are being kept by a 33-year-old man.
“Ang sistema nila is kinokolekta ‘yan. Kapag marami na, ready for shipment na, saka ‘yan dadaanan. Ibi-biyahe through bangka,” said Jovic Fabello, spokesperson of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.
He added that it is possible that the pangolins came from different parts of Palawan so they freed them after they have ensured the good condition of the animals.
Pangolins are included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
For the record, there are only eight species of pangolin in the world and one is present in the Philippines, specifically in Palawan.
The suspect will face charges in violation of Republic Act No. 9147, or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. (ABS-CBN News)
