342 Indonesian birds killed due to virus threat

Koronadal City — Some 342 Asian birds, reportedly transported by a pump boat from Indonesia, were burned Monday afternoon in General Santos City due to the prevailing threat of bird flu virus in some Asian countries, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here said.

Reports said the birds, along with 300 imported aquariums filled with foreign fishes, were seized by elements of the Philippine Coast Guard two days ago in Sarangani province and General Santos City.

The birds were seized at around 12 midnight on Sunday. The pump boat was allegedly owned by a certain Indonesian national named Araed Asdain but the pump boat was reportedly operated by Alih Majaling when it was intercepted by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard confiscated the birds and the aquariums after the pump boat crew failed to present importation documents.

The birds also have no Veterinary Health Certificate, a CITES document from the country of origin, an import permit from the Philippine Animal Welfare Bureau, and a Bureau of Animal Industry import permit, which is required under DA administrative Order No. 18, series of 2000.

Provincial Council Resolution No. 44, series of 2004, and City Council Resolution No. 46, series of 2004, also strictly prohibit the entry of foreign birds and fishes because of the possible viruses that they could bring to the city and the province in general.

DENR-Central Mindanao regional executive director Jim Sampulna condemned the people who illegally brought the Indonesian birds to the city.

He ordered the tight monitoring of the illegal entry of foreign birds in all airports and sea ports in Central Mindanao.