A yellow-bearded dragon was intercepted by the Bureau of Customs – Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after being misdeclared as fish and food or aquarium accessories.
The said animal was said to have originated from Malaysia on November 17, 2022 and had been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for monitoring and safekeeping.
BOC-NAIA chief Mimel Talusan reminded the public that “the import, export and trade of wildlife animals without necessary permit is a violation of Republic Act 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act in relation to R.A. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).”
“The Port of NAIA remains vigilant in protecting the borders against wildlife smuggling and other prohibited and anti-social goods,” she said, adding that any attempt on wildlife smuggling is monitored strictly. (JERRY S. TAN)