50 endangered tortoises seized from Malaysian passenger at NAIA
The Bureau of Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted fifty (50) live endangered tortoises concealed in the luggage of a Malaysian passenger arriving from Bangkok on 12 June 2026.
The shipment was discovered after the passenger’s baggage was flagged during x-ray screening and marked for inspection. A 100% physical examination subsequently revealed the tortoises hidden inside the luggage. The species were identified as Radiated and Indian Star Tortoises, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
BOC personnel immediately coordinated with the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The seized wildlife was documented, inventoried, and turned over to the DENR for proper custody.
The passenger is now under BOC custody and undergoing inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and relevant provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
Related Articles
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Belmonte, distributes rice to 1,200 families in Quezon City
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday led the distribution of rice to around 1,200 families in Quezon City as part of a weeklong initiative aimed at providing ass…
LTO to Motorists: Renew licenses before July 31
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has reminded motorists to renew their licenses and vehicle registrations before July 31, 2026 to avoid penalties and other corresponding sanctions. According to th…
Napolcom employee involved in road rage incident to face charges
A National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) employee involved in a road rage incident with a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver along EDSA in Quezon City was presented to the media on Monday,…