11 talking birds, 2 leopard cats rescued in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - Police have launched a manhunt against a wildlife trafficker after the confiscation of endangered animals from his home on Sunday.

Police identified the suspect as Genesis Palasigue, who was able to elude arrest during the raid conducted by policemen and members of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) in his home in Barangay Marangas, Bataraza town on Sunday morning.

Seized during the raid were 11 talking mynah birds and two leopard cats.

PCSDS spokesperson Alex Marcaida said that Palasigue had just placed the animals in cages and were already being prepared for transport when their team swooped down on the suspect's home.

Marcaida said Palasigue was able fled upon seeing the raiding team.

Charges for violation of Section 27 of Republic Act 9147, which provides for the protection and conservation of wildlife resources and their habitats in Palawan, were being prepared against the suspect.

Marcaida said the recovered cats and birds will be turned to the Palawan Wildlife Refuge and Rescue Conservation Center.