DENR takes custody of 50 smuggled tortoises found at Naia

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said it has taken full custody of the 50 endangered tortoises recently intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

The tortoises were discovered by customs personnel at Naia on June 12, 2026 after the baggage of a certain Malaysian passenger arriving from Bangkok (Thailand) was flagged during X-ray screening.

“The 50 live Radiated Tortoises, a critically endangered species endemic to Madagascar and highly sought after in the illegal exotic pet trade, were formally turned over to DENR-NCR for evidence processing and documentation,” the DENR said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: BOC intercepts smuggled endangered tortoises at Naia

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Following the completion of the required procedures, the specimens were subsequently endorsed to the Biodiversity Management Bureau’s Wildlife Rescue Center for proper care, assessment, and safekeeping,” it added.

Meanwhile, the DENR said complaint-affidavits are already being prepared for filing against the owner of the baggage where the tortoises were discovered.

READ: Malaysia rescues hundreds of tortoises from ‘Ninja Turtle Gang’

The passenger is expected to face criminal charges against the involved passenger for violations of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, as well as relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Article continues after this advertisement

DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, for his part, tagged the successful interception of the endangered animal as a demonstration of “strong inter-agency collaboration” against wildlife trafficking.

“Through coordinated enforcement efforts, we are able to prevent the illegal movement of threatened species and ensure that rescued wildlife receives the necessary protection and care,” Tamoria said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The DENR-NCR then maintained its commitment to the strict enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal possession, transport, sale, or trade of wildlife species. /cb

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.