ANGELES CITY — Twenty-five endangered animals have been rescued by the city government here in a span of five months and have been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources — Region 3.
The animals rescued include three Philippine long-tailed macaques, seven reticulated pythons, a Philippine pangolin, a grass owl, 12 scorpions, and a Philippine scops owl.
Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin commended members of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, headed by Rosendo Makabali, and personnel of City Veterinary Office, led by Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla for their quick actions and efforts to rescue and turn over the said endangered animals to the DENR-3.
Mayor Lazatin, whose major programs include animal welfare, also noted the efforts of the residents in reporting the 25 endangered animals to the city government for proper handling and care.
He is also urging Angeleños to turn over captured or rescued wild animals to CENRO and the City Vet for proper care and handling.
“Importante na mapunta sa tamang lugar ang mga nahuhuling endangered species dito sa siyudad. Nandiyan po ang ating CENRO at City Vet upang tulungan po ang ating mga residente pare marescue ang makita man nilang mga endangered animals,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also asked his constituents with exotic pets to have their respective animals registered and to secure necessary permits from the DENR.
Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the possession, transport, and collection of wildlife species and its derivatives without necessary permits from the DENR.
Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar through a social media post, stated that she appreciates the efforts of the city government in rescuing a Philippine pangolin and turning it over to the DENR National Capital Region—North Field Office (NFO).
According to the DENR, Philippine pangolins are endemic to four islands in the Philippines, most notably in Palawan. They are also among the most illegally trafficked wildlife in the world, with their scales sought after in certain concoctions, despite having no proven medicinal value.
