MANILA – At least 23 cages filled with blue-naped parrots and mynas were seized in Narra, Palawan on Tuesday.
The Philippine National Police Maritime Group arrested four men who were caught with the bird cages in Sitio Palo-Palo, Barangay Burirao at around 5 p.m.
Police said each bird can be sold for P3,000 to P5,000.
The four arrested suspects denied being directly involved in the illegal trade of the birds.
Confiscated Blue-naped parrots. Image by Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation CenterThey said they are being paid P100 daily to feed the birds, and that a certain "Alen" owns the endangered animals, which were bound for Manila.
Police said a tipster informed them about the illegal trade. They said yesterday's successful operation was a result of a month-long surveillance effort.
The suspects are facing charges of violating Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and Presidential Decree 705 (Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines).
The rescued birds have been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.