By Dennis Nebrejo
BOAC, Marinduque, Philippines (PIA) — Authorities have returned 11 endangered coconut crabs to their natural habitat on Gaspar Island in Barangay Pinggan, Gasan town, after a resident allegedly attempted to sell the protected species to an undercover operative.
According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Marinduque Provincial Fishery Officer Joel G. Malabanan, the operation stemmed from information relayed by the Maritime Police regarding an individual from Gaspar Island, who was allegedly selling coconut crabs (Birgus latro), a species considered endangered.
“The Maritime Police informed me that an individual from Gaspar Island attempted to sell 11 coconut crabs, which are considered an endangered species,” Malabanan said in an interview with PIA.
Acting on the report, the Maritime Police conducted an entrapment operation in the morning of May 14 in coordination with personnel from the Gasan Municipal Police Station to verify the complaint.
During the buy-bust operation, authorities arrested a male suspect inside his residence in Barangay Pinggan, where the transaction involving the sale of the captured crabs allegedly took place.
Malabanan said the confiscated coconut crabs had a combined weight of nearly four kilograms and were reportedly being sold for P800 per kilogram.
Under Section 102, paragraphs A and B of Republic Act No. 10654, the catching, possession, transport, sale, or exportation of rare, threatened, or endangered aquatic species carries administrative liabilities, including fines amounting to five times the value of the confiscated species or ranging from P500,000 to P5 million, whichever is higher, along with confiscation of the catch.
Authorities said an investigation into the incident is ongoing while administrative charges are being prepared against the suspect, who remains under police custody.
Malabanan also appealed to the public to refrain from catching, selling or harming endangered wildlife species, citing the important role these animals play in maintaining ecological balance.
The coconut crab, locally known for its large size and unique appearance, is among the species facing threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. (DN/AS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Marinduque)
