By Paulo Loreto Lim

Following the discovery of dead pangolins in the Bacolod City reclamation area, last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently conducting an investigation.
Upon initial inspection, it was found the animals had been descaled.
The carcasses will also be subject to a tissue sampling, which will be conducted by the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
According to a press release, the DENR-Negros Island Region, meanwhile, is strengthening its campaign against illegal wildlife trade and the protection of their natural habitat in the region.
Domestically, pangolins, or “scaly anteaters,” are only found in Palawan. They are considered “endangered” and protected under RA 9147, or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.”
Under the law, it is illegal to transport pangolins and violators may face a year in jail and a fine of P100,000. Those found guilty of killing a pangolin may be in jail for 12 years and face a fine of P1 million./WDJ