DENR moves against ivory smuggling

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is forming a team to investigate the alleged smuggling of elephant tusks into the country.

"Ivory is considered as a by-product or derivative coming from elephant and its collection is one of the illegal acts identified in Republic Act 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act," said DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo in a statement furnished to The FREEMAN.

The team, led by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Richard Abella, Protected Areas and Wildlife Division chief Jose Layese and Ariel Rica, will also explore measures to curb the smuggling.

Montejo said that wildlife monitoring units in air and seaports all over the region are now being alerted to prevent the entry of these prohibited items.

"The investigation will not only focus on certain persons but will also try to look into the local situation," he said.

"We are now closely coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other concerned authorities on the reported smuggled goods," Montejo added.  (FREEMAN)