Pangasinan execs urged: Stop tuko collection

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) based here yesterday sought the help of mayors in Pangasinan to curb the wanton collection and sale of tuko (gecko lizard).

Gecko lizards reportedly command a high price per kilo and are being bought even by foreigners because of their supposed medicinal benefits.

Leduina Co told reporters during the Pangasinan Tri-Media Action forum yesterday that she sent letters to the mayors last week to seek their help in stopping this practice, which is in violation of Republic Act 9147 on the illegal collection of wild species.

Co cited reports that gecko lizards are being sold on the Internet, with 300 grams costing as much as P300,000 or even higher.