Manila mayor Isko Moreno personally checks on the P15 million worth of contraband meat and wildlife parts that Manila’s Veterinary Inspection Board seized Tuesday (14 January 2020). (Photo courtesy Metro News Central)
By Stacy Ang
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 6.1 tons of contraband meat and wildlife parts worth P15 million were seized by the City Government of Manila’s Veterinary Inspection Board (VIB) during operations in Binondo, Manila last Monday.
The VIB Manila operatives seized exotic meat such as turtles, sea lions, lizards, as well as other contraband meat.
Also seized were pork, beef, chicken and fish.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ordered the arrest and filing of charges of the suspects including a Chinese national who was caught selling the 6.1 tons of prohibited meat.
The city government operatives identified the suspects as Cai Chang Fen, Rogelio Endrinal and Joshua Almario.
“Put him in jail even if he is Chinese,” said Moreno.
The suspects are facing criminal charges for violating Republic Act 10536 (Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines), RA 10611 (Food Safety Act), and RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation And Protection Act). (SA/IAMIGO/Currentph.com)