Amerikaans 'safari-bedrijf' mag geen jachtreizen organiseren naar/in de Filippijnen - Tekst over jacht in Filippijnen van website verwijderd

US firm shuts site for wildlife hunting in RP

02-03-2010 By MICK BASA, The Manila Bulletin, Philippines


The US-based safari firm that recently sparked public outcry for offering trophy hunting of wild game animals in the Philippines has scrapped the page on its website that stirred the controversy.

There has been no statement from Adventures 411, the firm based in Hamilton, Montana, that runs the website adventures411.com, but its website no longer carries the invitation for trophy hunting in the Philippines.

Earlier, government officials raised concern over the hunting activities Adventures 411 offered its customers online, which are deemed illegal in the Philippines.

“It is prohibited to hunt wildlife species in any place in the country – it is treated as illegal and punishable under R.A. 9147,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Horacio Ramos said in a statement on Monday.

Citing the wildlife conservation act, Ramos said violators could face a fine of P100,000 to P1 million and imprisonment of 6 to 12 years.

The DENR’s warning came out after media and government officials caught wind of talk about Adventures 411’s activities in the Philippines through online social networking sites and emails.

The Manila Bulletin tried to reach the side of Adventures 411 through an email but it did not reply.

When this reporter tried to visit the site that offered trophy hunting in the Philippines, http://www.adventures411.com/Philippine_trophy_hunts.html, it could no longer be accessed online.

Before it pulled the online page, the firm enumerated several species of “rare and unusual” trophy animals that are said to be the species its customers would hunt when they arrive in the Philippines – with a registration fee of US$13,800 (P636,870) – inclusive of hotel stay for two weeks.

“Rare and unusual trophy animals: Native Asian Water Buffalo, Asian Dwarf Forest Buffalo (Phil. Salt Buffalo), Asian Wild Boar and Phil. Bearded Warty Pig,” the website said.

In an interview, Carmen Aquino of the DENR’s Public Information Division, said they are urging the public to inform the environmental body if they have knowledge of trophy hunting activities done in Philippine jungles.

The DENR identified Palawan, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Romblon and Marinduque as probable areas where trophy hunting takes place.

(Bron: http://www.mb.com.ph/)