In its intensified operations targeting the illegal online trade of wildlife, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) successfully conducted seven entrapment operations across different regions, resulting in the arrest of eight online sellers and the rescue of numerous wildlife species.

Five of the operations were conducted in June 2025 by the respective Provincial Cyber Response Teams in Santiago City, Isabela; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija; Daraga, Albay; and Balaoan, La Union. Earlier, an operation was held on May 2, 2025, in Quezon City by the Cyber Financial Crime Unit, and the most recent took place on July 2, 2025, in Tupi, South Cotabato, led by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12.

Among the rescued animals were 14 parakeet parrots, six pheasants, two sugar gliders, one Sulcata tortoise, one Philippine long-tailed macaque monkey, one peacock, one greater rhea, one crested myna bird, and one Philippine crow. These species are classified as critically endangered or threatened, according to wildlife conservation authorities.

All operations were conducted in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), to whom the rescued animals were turned over for proper care, evaluation, and disposition in accordance with established protocols.

The eight suspects are facing charges for violation of Section 27 of RA No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001) in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

These operations support the directive of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the PNP, to strengthen cyber patrolling and take immediate legal action against cybercriminals operating on social media platforms.

Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, commended the operatives for the successful operation. “The online selling of wild animals is strictly regulated by law. Sellers who disregard this may face serious penalties. We urge the public to report any similar illegal activities to the nearest ACG office for immediate action,” he said.