10 arrested for illegal gecko trade

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District arrested 10 people on Thursday for the illegal trade of geckos (tuko) in Parañaque City.

Chief Inspector Jenny Tecson said 10 boxes containing 43 pieces of the endangered animal were seized from the suspects. He said the suspects will be charged while the geckos will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, a wildlife trade monitoring network, said in its report last month that the demand for gecko in the Philippines had ballooned to an alarming level.

The DENR said that it is unlawful to collect and trade geckos because they are protected under Republic Act 9147, an act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats. Collection, trade or transport of geckos without appropriate permits from the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau is punishable by imprisonment ranging from two to four years and a fine of up to P300,000. – Aie Balagtas-See, Charmie Joy Pagulong, Star research