Authorities in Palawan confiscated on Thursday a shipment of 4,200 critically endangered forest turtles that are believed to be destined for the Chinese black market with an estimated value of around P18 million. The endangered animals, comprised mostly of highly valued “Siebenrockiella leytensis”, also known as the Philippine pond turtle, were rescued in a warehouse owned by a Chinese trader living in Bataraza town near the southernmost tip of the province. Alex Marcaida, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) information head, told Inquirer that the raiding team, composed of PCSD enforcers and members of the Provincial Law Enforcement Task Force, were preparing to file charges against a certain Peter Lei, said to be a Chinese national but a long-time resident in the area and owner of the warehouse.

Redempto, A., & Antonio, R. (2015, June 21). 4,200 turtles seized in warehouse. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A12.