Exotic animals seized in Clark

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has taken custody of four pangolins and three Palawan cobras, which were seized during an operation in Clark Freeport Zone.
        National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Ricardo Diaz disclosed that a Chinese suspect, Peimin Zhang was caught in possession of these animals inside a Mitsubishi Grandis with plate number ZHG- 475 bound for Tarlac.

Pangolins and Palawan cobras are under the “Red List” of animals threatened with extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Peimin failed to show legal documents that will justify the transport and ownership of the wildlife species.

“Upon verification from the DENR Regional Office, Peimin is not a holder of Certificate of Wildlife Registration, Wildlife Permit and/ or Wildlife Collectors Permit or any other Wildlife Permit,” Diaz said. – Mar T. Supnad