Comments on: US website offers rare Mindoro forest animals for trophy hunting

By: marius

marius — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:20:21 +0000

Sometime last year I happened to spot a rare Panay monitor lizard (Varanus mabitang) along the rocky cliff of Brgy. Balite in Calapan City but failed to take a good shot (picture) of the reptile. There were numerous wildlife laws under DENR supervision although strict implementation is another question. As a deputized wildlife officer I will look into the matter and personally take that as a precaution for them that any violation will be dealt with corresponding legal action on our side. So better take a second look if they want to exploit and contribute to biodiversity loss this is not place to be in. Biodiversity loss could trigger enormous effects on food security, health, shelter, medicine and aesthetic and other life sustaining resources. Year 2010 is the declared as International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. Let us save our biodiversity and save our humanity!

By: Bike Velasco-Catibog

Bike Velasco-Catibog — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:25:24 +0000

Local officials can’t lift their claws if there are higher officials involved in these hunting tours. These are the real “buwayas” who feed in the loopholes of the laws, and where their insatiable thirst for money fills their quench more than anything else.

For a website to courageously flaunt their reign over these adventures, defying restrictions for hunting endangered and near-endangered species, and to lure those hunters-cum-rapists in our land, they probably have the backing of something….or someone.

Let the hunting games begin! As their hunting for trophy starts, it’s also time to hunt who is responsible for this cruel act.

By: Jeanne Tan

Jeanne Tan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:24:58 +0000

I am under the impression that Dwarf/Saltwater buffalos are a very endangered and very protected Philippine species. As far as I know, it is even illegal to shoot Asian water buffalos. Are the locals who are involved in this kind of tourism aware of our laws? Are they operating these tours with the permission of, or under the noses of, the local government?

The Philippines is my country, and I have never ever seen one of these beautiful Tamaraw for myself. I hope all the hunters involved, who apparently do not check on the laws of the countries they visit, or simply do not care, get a very nasty case of schistosomiasis and die of the disease.