“This resolution is addressed to DENR to immediately stop the indiscriminate hunting and illegal sale of tuko (gecko) by simply applying the law R.A. 9147or the Philippine Wildlife Law that declares such sale as illegal and come out with a public announcement together with other health agencies that the value of gecko to the cure of AIDS and cancer is without any medical basis,” De Leon said in the recent Sangguniang Panlalawigan session held on Wednesday.
Since January this year, the capture, collection, and sale of tuko has been a lucrative trade that De Leon said even professionals have engaged themselves in catching the reptile.
The gecko, or more commonly known in the province as tuko, is believed to been the cure for AIDS, cancer, and since the reptile can live up to 350 years, is believed to be the fountain of youth. To date, no official medical findings have proven these claims.
“We have reports saying that the price of live tuko could reach up to P300,000 up to P500,000 if the tuko reaches the weight of 300 grams and up,” De Leon added.
In Batangas, reports said that agents engaged in the trade of tuko have been name-dropping the officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office who have allegedly given them “immunity” to collect and trade tuko.
Because of the very attractive price of the tuko, middlemen even tend to trade tuko in bulk, and buy even the younger reptiles to keep them in cages and feed them with insects. In turn, out of their natural habitats, the young tuko dies.
“The tuko is not yet considered a threatened or endangered specie but because of the indiscriminate collection and selling, they could be endangered soon,” De Leon added.
Because of the urgency of De Leon’s resolution, it was exempted from the three- reading rule at the provincial council. (Mei Magsino)
No comments:
Post a Comment