Forest ranger seizes “hot” birds

Fifty seven small birds were seized by a forest ranger of the Community Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro) in Sara, Iloilo recently while being transported to Zarraga, Iloilo.

Forest Ranger Romulo Larroza spotted the birds kept inside a cage while riding a bus going to the town of Ajuy.

Confiscated were One (1) Kurokokok (local name), three (3) maya costa (local name), twenty three (23) are maya pula (local name) and thirty (30) heads of Dusky manikin (Endemic name).

Larroza learned that the birds were supposed to be sold in Zarraga which was in violation of the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9147 known as the Philippine Wildlife Act of 2000.

The confiscated birds were then brought to Cenro-Sara office on the same day and were released at the Sampunong Bulo Bird Sanctuary, Brgy. Juaneza, Sara, Iloilo.

Regional Executive Director Celso V. Loriega, Jr. lauded the immediate action of Forest Ranger Larrosa for his dedication and commitment to his job as a DENR employee.

CENR officer Joel Diaz said that this apprehension would make the people realize that the DENR is doing its job.

“This is also a lesson to all would-be violators not to tamper with the wildlife who are helping us propagate and develop the forest by spreading forest tree seeds through their waste,” he said. (star/cenrosara)