Authorities intercepted a motorized banca off the coastline of Bagong Katilingban, Lower Makar, General Santos City after a tip alerted them to a vessel carrying suspected Indonesian nationals along with illegal wildlife.
The coordinated operation involved the General Santos City Maritime Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit 12, and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) General Santos City.
During the inspection, officers discovered a range of protected and exotic species, including one Nicobar Pigeon, 15 Leopard Tortoises, five Sulcata Tortoises, 37 Blue-Tongued Skinks—12 of which were dead—one Black and White Tegu, three Blood Pythons, four Reticulated Pythons, four Green Tree Pythons, three Indonesian Pit Vipers, four Madagascar Ground Boas, and one Snow Iguana. Some animals were dead or severely deformed.
The total estimated market value of the confiscated wildlife is approximately ₱1 million, underscoring the high stakes of transboundary wildlife trafficking in the region.
The individuals on board face charges under Republic Act 9147 and possible violations of the Philippine Immigration Act (CA 613). All seized animals were immediately turned over to DENR–CENRO GenSan for proper documentation, handling, and disposition.
Authorities stressed the importance of continued vigilance and inter-agency coordination to combat illegal wildlife trade networks across Sarangani Bay, emphasizing that such offenses carry serious legal consequences.
