Two separate incidents of illegal wildlife trade of 101 heads of Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) and (pcs) tarantulas (Theraphosidae) were successfully apprehended and confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partner agencies in Pasay City.

In a buy-bust/entrapment operation on April 16, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Quezon City District Field Unit (PNP CIDG QCDFU) with technical assistance from the DENR-National Capital Region (NCR) Enforcement Division confiscated 101 heads of Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) from a male Chinese national for violation of Section 27 of Republic Act (RA) 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Of the 101 heads of turtles, 89 were live and 12 were dead.

The Chinese softshell turtle is listed as Other Wildlife Species based on DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their categories, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The species is endemic to China. It is wholly aquatic but surfaces to maintain body temperature and to lay eggs.

According to PNP CIDG QCDFU, the operation was based on surveillance and verified information that the suspect and his alleged accomplices were engaging in unauthorized wildlife trade without a Wildlife Permit from the DENR. They were then arrested.

The suspects were arrested and subjected to inquest proceedings and consequently charged with violation of Section 27, RA No. 9147.