Heavy penalties against perpetrators of wildlife crimes are being promoted in House of Representatives

Proposed by the House of Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers the imposition of severe penalties against illegal poachers and traders.

In House Bill 9410 filed by Barbers, it wants to amend the 20 -year Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) which experts say is no longer compatible with the current situation of wildlife crimes in the country.

According to Barbers, the annual losses in the market value of wildlife are estimated at P50 Billion as well as damage to their habitat, ecological role and value.

The proposal also aims to intensify the campaign to create and implement a “system of rewards and incentives” for enforcement officers or informants that will provide information against illegal wildlife traders and traffickers that will be funded under the Wildlife Management Fund to be created.

When enacted, a poacher or trader found to have killed a critically endangered wildlife species will face a penalty of 15 to 20 years in prison and a fine of P500,000 to P2 million.

Source:https://radyo.inquirer.net/294033/mabigat-na-parusa-laban-sa-mga-gumagawa-ng-wildlife-crimes-isinusulong-sa-kamara