Five endangered Visayan Leopard Cats were recovered and an alleged wildlife trafficker was arrested by Bacolod City Maritime Police Station operatives at the BREDCO Port in Brgy. 10, Bacolod City, on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Alias “Ricky”, 38, was arrested by the police for illegally transporting the Leopard Cats from Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
A concerned citizen reported to the police that the endangered animals were being transported from Mabinay to Manila in a van.
The police recovered two male adult, one female adult, and two young Visayan Leopard Cats during their inspection at the BREDCO port.
The suspect will be charged for violation of the Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Bacolod MARPSTA and the endangered animals were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for safekeeping.*