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Philippines, Manila – Over a thousand live exotic turtles were discovered in four abandoned luggage from Hongkong at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Sunday, the Bureau of Customs said Monday.
Approximately, 1,500 turtles were intercepted by Bureau of Customs NAIA on Sunday afternoon, March 3, 2019. The Custom Police reported that turtles were brought by a Filipino from Hong Kong. (MB Photo/JM Abcede)
A total of 1,529 turtles such as Star Tortoise, Redfoot Tortoise, Sulcata Tortoise, Red-eared Slider live species, were found inside the luggage at the airport’s Terminal 2.
According to the bureau, the four pieces of luggage were allegedly left behind by the owner, who has yet to be identified, after learning that bringing wildlife animals into the country is illegal.
Illegal wildlife trading is a violation of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 9147 known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Violators, the bureau said, may face imprisonment of one year and one day to two years and a fine of P20,000 to P200,000.
Source and full English article: Manila Bulettin
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/04/smuggled-turtles-found-inside-luggage-at-naia/
#NAIA #Manila #Philippines #Turtles #HongKong #EnglishNews #GoJapan
