GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities arrested two individuals at a checkpoint in Barangay Tambler for allegedly transporting wildlife species without the necessary permits.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office–SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) said authorities acted after receiving reports about the illegal transport, prompting an inspection of a minivan carrying several makeshift cages with various wildlife.

The suspects reportedly could not present documents authorizing the possession or transport of the animals.

Among the rescued wildlife were five Moluccan cockatoos, six yellow-crested cockatoos, four Bornean white-bearded gibbons, and two bearcats, according to DENR-12. One Moluccan cockatoo and one Victoria crowned pigeon were found dead, highlighting the risks and cruelty involved in illegal wildlife transport.

The following day, police turned over the rescued animals to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for proper care.

DENR-12 said charges are being prepared against the suspects.