ILLEGAL transport of 31 exotic birds was intercepted at a checkpoint in Purok 2, Sitio Uguis, Barangay Eden, Toril District, Davao City, on Oct. 19, 2026.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Station 19 and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Davao City conducted the operation.
DENR Davao reported the operation resulted in the seizure of 31 birds, including 15 sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), of which 14 were recovered alive and one was found deceased.
Meanwhile, the other 16 live Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus) comprised eight green males and eight red females.
The agency said the birds were being transported in a van; however, the handlers failed to present a Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) and the necessary transport permits, violating existing wildlife regulations.
The transport allegedly violated Sections 27(f) and (h) (i) of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the unauthorized collection, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife, as well as acts resulting in the maltreatment or injury of wildlife species.
The seized birds have a total estimated value of ₱1.38 million, where sulphur-crested Cockatoos have an estimated market value of ₱900,000.00, while the eclectus parrots are valued at ₱480,000.00.
Both species are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which was classified as Endangered in Section 6 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories.
The 30 live birds were subsequently turned over to Davao Crocodile Park Inc., at Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City, for proper handling, assessment, care, and appropriate disposition in accordance with existing wildlife conservation laws and regulations.
The deceased White Cockatoo was documented and photographed for evidentiary purposes and is scheduled for sanitary burial and proper disposal.
Meanwhile, the seized Toyota van used for transport was placed under the custody of CENRO Davao City.