CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group worked together to ensure the proper handling of four rescued exotic tarantulas in Olongapo City, Zambales.
Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, said the Maritime Police Station turned over the rescued arachnids to the DENR for proper handling and disposition.
The rescued animals included one Chaco golden knee tarantula, one Mexican flame tarantula, one Mexican fireleg tarantula, and one curly hair tarantula.
Sernadilla said the office completed the required documentation before transferring the tarantulas to the Wildlife in Need (WIN) Rescue Center for examination, proper care, and safekeeping pending their appropriate disposition.
Marife Castillo, provincial head of the DENR in Zambales, said the turnover highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation 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. Through this partnership, wildlife is safely turned over to authorized facilities where appropriate care and evaluation can be provided,” Castillo said.
Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the PNP Maritime Group for its prompt coordination with the DENR.
“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, and partnerships like this help ensure that rescued species receive appropriate care while safeguarding our biodiversity,” Pablo said.
Pablo also reminded the public to immediately report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the DENR.
“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 to ensure both public safety and wildlife welfare,” he added.
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 for proper handling and disposition.
The rescued tarantulas will remain under the care of the WIN Rescue Center while wildlife authorities complete their evaluation and determine the appropriate disposition of the animals. (UnliNews Online)
