Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje warned the public yesterday against bringing into the country exotic species, citing reports of damage to wildlife habitat by invasive Chinese softshell turtles in Central Luzon. DENR Secretary Ramon Paje cited reports that Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) prey on bangus (milkfish) and tilapia fingerlings in fishponds in Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan. Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, requires the registration of wildlife species, particularly those considered threatened and exotic, whether for recreation, conservation or propagation.

De Vera, E. B. (2013, February 18). DENR warns vs invasive species. Manila Bulletin, p. 13.