Personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)–Mandaue City Field Unit, along with representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 and the Medellin Municipal Police Station, conducted a rescue operation at a resort in Sitio Tambo, Barangay Kawit, Medellin, Cebu, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:23 a.m.
Alleged Violation of Wildlife Act
The resort was found to be in violation of Section 27(f) of Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, for keeping various wildlife species without the necessary authorization from the National Government. The operation led to the arrest of the resort manager, Marilyn Ong Kuan, 55, a resident of Apple Mango Drive, Jr. Estrada Street, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.
Rescued Wildlife Species
Authorities confiscated a total of 13 protected animals, including two Blue-Naped Parrots (Tanygnathus lucionensis), one Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), one Black Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), one Catalina Macaw, one Green-Winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus), one Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), four African Spurred Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), one African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), and three Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus). The estimated total value of the animals is around P3.5 million.
Inspection and Legal Proceedings
The operation was triggered by a report that the resort was keeping wildlife without permits. After verification with DENR 7, authorities inspected the premises and found the animals in cages and enclosures used as attractions for guests. The resort management was asked to present a Certificate of Wildlife Registration or any authorization from DENR, but Kuan failed to produce any legal documents. The animals, classified as protected species, were confiscated in favor of the government and turned over to DENR 7 custody. Kuan remains under CIDG–Mandaue City Field Unit custody and will face charges under RA 9147.
The operation was part of “Oplan Kalikasan,” the flagship environmental protection program of the CIDG.
