Indonesian, 4 Filipinos charged with smuggling

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has charged an Indonesian national and his four Filipino cohorts with violation of wildlife protection laws before the General Santos City prosecutor’s office for allegedly smuggling into the country 17 marsupials of a specie categorized as “vulnerable.”

DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ruel Divino said a charge of violation of Republic Act No. 9174 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act has been filed against Indonesian Ryan Lucas, 38, who goes by the alias Rio Paparang, of Sitio Tuning, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. His suspected Filipino cohorts were: Mark John Villaver, Johndee Lumokso, Jolito Resare, Alber Miguel.

Divino said the group was charged after 17 Sulawesi cuscus bears (Ailurops ursinus) were seized from their possession by joint teams from the department and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group on Monday.

The DENR officer said the marsupials or pouched mammals were apparently smuggled out of Indonesia and brought to General Santos City on a fishing boat without the appropriate permits from the Indonesian government.

They will be cared for then repatriated to their natural habitat in Sulawesi, environment officials said.

The Sulawesi cuscus bear is endemic to Sulawesi and its nearby islands in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is named for its soft, bear-like fur. It has curved, pointed claws and a long tail. The head is broad and flat with inconspicuous ears and a short snout.

Unfortunately, two days after the cuscus bears were recovered, Divino said two of the unique marsupials died. The DENR Region 12 Protected Areas and Wildlife Division has sought the help of the regional veterinary quarantine office for a checkup of the other rescued animals.