BOC seizes 5 Pacman frogs from Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted on Tuesday five live Pacman frogs in a parcel sent from Malaysia.

In a statement yesterday, the BOC said the five frogs, also known as South American horned frogs, reportedly have an estimated market value of P81,795.

The parcel, misdeclared to contain accessories and consigned to an address in San Pedro, Laguna, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on July 31. It was intercepted by agents from the BOC’s enforcement and security service-environment protection and compliance division and operatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

According to the BOC, the unlawful trading of exotic wildlife is a serious offense and a direct violation of both Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.