THE PHILIPPINES’ STATE OF AFFAIRS

AGAINST WILDLIFE CRIME IN REGION VII:

THE CASE OF BLACK SHAMA IN ALCOY, PROVINCE OF CEBU,

PHILIPPINES

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences

University of Cebu- Main Campus

Cebu City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

by

Maureen M. Olvis

January 2023
 i

ABSTRACT

Recognised as the hottest of biodiversity hotspots — a global

conservation priority area which faces significant threats — the Philippines,

together with other megadiverse countries, hosts over two-thirds of Earth’s

plant and animal species. However, increasing human activity has pushed

its wildlife to the edge of collapse. It has been reported that illegal wildlife

trade is the fourth-largest illegal global trade after narcotics, product /

currency counterfeiting and human trafficking and that the trade in illegal

wildlife accounts for $19 billion per year. 

By way of summary, although the Philippines does currently have

legislation to penalise illegal trade in wildlife, the legislation is rarely applied

effectively so as to act as a deterrent. The situation is exacerbated by

allegations of malpractice by wildlife officials and due to the difficulties in

enforcing ancillary corruption legislation.

 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

TITLE PAGE

Title Page----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- i

Acknowledgement----------------------------------------------------------------- ii

Table of Contents------------------------------------------------------------------ iii

Suplementary Pages-------------------------------------------------------------- vi

List of Tables----------------------------------------------------------------------- vii

Chapter

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

 iii

Theoretical Background

Review of Related Literature

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

Significance of the Study

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Environment

Research Informants

Research Instruments

Research Procedure

Data Gathering

Data Analysis

Ethical Considerations
 iv

DEFINITION OF TERMS

II RESULTS AND FINDINGS

III SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS,

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Conclusion

Recommendations

SUPPLEMENTARY PAGES

References

Appendices:
 v

Appendix A - Transmittal Letter

Appendix B – Approval Sheet

Appendix C – Interview Duide and Validation of Interview Guide

Appendix D – Research Locale

Appendix E – Transcribe Interviews

Appendix F – Curriculum Vitae

vi
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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

One of the countries in Southeast Asia fighting against illegal wildlife

trade (IWT), which is one of the major causes of damage to biodiversity and

the extinction of species worldwide, is the Philippines, which has 7,641

islands and over a hundred million people who rely on biodiversity. IWT can

harm habitats, expand criminal networks, spread diseases among species,

and disrupt economic stability (Cardoso et al., 2021). Between the years

2010 and 2021, articles and books on the illegal wildlife trade were looked

at. These journals concentrate on methods for dealing with illegal wildlife

trade and technologies used to combat the said. Normally, illegal wildlife

trades were mostly done in person, but now that the pandemic has hit, the

majority of the trades were done online (TRAFFIC, 2021).

 3

Various local and international organizations launched programs and

projects in response to the growing trend of illegal wildlife trade. The 2001

Wildlife Conservation Act (Republic Act No. 9147) gives all native and non-

native species in the Philippines legal protection against trade. One of the

most significant international agreements, the Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) regulates

international trade in more than 38,700 listed species of animals and plants

(Fischer, 2021). To improve IWT policy, stronger government, private

sector, NGOs, and civil society engagements could be established.

Wildlife crime is a significant industry making it the fourth most lucrative

illegal business after narcotics, human trafficking, and arms. Wildlife and

animal parts are smuggled into countries by perilous international networks,

just like illegal arms and drugs. It is almost impossible to obtain accurate

figures for the illegal wildlife trade's value due to its very nature. The wildlife

trade monitoring network TRAFFIC experts estimate that it costs billions of

dollars.
 4

The Black Shama in Alcoy, Cebu Philippines, is one well-known

instance of illegal wildlife trade. When an increasing proportion of wildlife

trade is illegal and unsustainable, it becomes a crisis that directly threatens

the survival of numerous wild species. Because wildlife crime poses the

greatest direct threat to the future of many of the world's most endangered

species, WWF has made it a top priority to eradicate it. 

The Philippines' abundant biodiversity, which includes over 52,000

species, more than half of which are endemic to the country, demonstrates

that it is one of just 17 mega-diverse nations in the world. The numerous

habitats in this country, which range from mossy forest ecosystems to

wetlands and lush tropical forests to coastal and marine ecosystems that

surround the entire country with a coastline of more than 36,000 kilometers,

contribute to this diversity of life. In addition, the Philippines is in the middle

of the Coral Triangle, a region that encompasses six island nations and is

referred to as the "underwater equivalent of the Amazon" due to its

distinctive marine biodiversity.

 5

The obligation to safeguard these diverse ecosystems and wildlife

comes with their abundance. This paradise can quickly become tumultuous

due to threats like habitat destruction, overexploitation of natural resources,

pollution (waste, light, noise), increased population density, and competing

policies. As an IWT source, transit, and destination nation, the Philippines'

problem is complicated and necessitates long-term investments and

solutions.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the

primary agency in charge of combating IWT. The Wildlife Protection and

Conservation Act, or RA 9147, is the primary piece of legislation aimed at

safeguarding and conserving the nation's wildlife. The agency takes action

through this act. The Wildlife Law Enforcement Action Plan (WildLEAP)

(2018-2028), which provides a strategy for dealing with IWT in the years to

come, serves as an addition to it. The national task force to combat IWT is

made up of law enforcement personnel from various government agencies.

The DENR-ADB/GEF Project "Combatting Environmental Organized Crime

 6

in the Philippines" has been the government's most recent attempt to stop

IWT.

According to Myers et al. (2000), the Philippines is the megadiverse

country with the highest proportion of endemic species that are in danger of

going extinct as well as the dwindling quantity and size of suitable natural

habitats. According to the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development

(1989), the remaining wooded area (excluding brushlands) is 6.5 M ha, or

40% of the 16 M ha of legally designated forest lands and 21% of the total

country area of 30 M ha. Due to illegal logging, forest fires, and slash-and-

burn agriculture, the country loses 119,000 ha year, or nearly 14 ha each

hour.

Only 1% (or 14,407 acres) of the island of Cebu's natural forests are

still present, and they are scattered throughout as isolated patches (Mallari

et al. 2001; DENR-FMB 2010). In a short period of time, areas that were

once forested are transformed into different land uses, such as those for

agriculture and commerce.  Bagarinao (2010) asserts that the worrisome

 7

amount of forest fragmentation in Central Cebu may have contributed to the

loss of several of the region's rare endemic species. 

Rare endemic bird species, like the Cebu black shama, can be found

thriving in the island of Cebu's remnant forests (Copsychus cebuensis

Steere). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red

List of Threatened Species has listed this bird as Endangered since 1994.

(Birdlife International 2012). The island's declining habitat quality made it

difficult for them to live a long time (Rabor 1959; Bagarinao 2010). After

encroaching on the island of Cebu 2.83 million years ago, the black shama

separated itself and underwent a divergence, according to Lim et al. (2010). 

On the other hand, human activity is the main cause of the majority of

the dangers to the black shama's existence (Linke et al. 2007 cf. Soverel et

al. 2010; Posa and Sodhi 2006). Therefore, according to Myers et al. (2000),

the future of biodiversity and the essential functions it offers depends on

what we [humans] do or do not do. To take effective conservation

measures, it is crucial to comprehend how social elements like cultural

 8

ideas, values, and demographic changes influence how people interact with

the environment (Mascia et al. 2003 in Fox et al. 2006). In order to lessen

the hazards facing this species, it is advised that humans participate in

conservation efforts, as their cooperation and dedication are essential to the

campaign's success (IIRR 1992).

Many ecologists recognised that, while important, ecological

knowledge alone does not guarantee the success of conservation efforts.

They acknowledged the significance of the social aspects of conservation

issues (Fox et al 2006). This study evaluated the local communities'

knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of local black shama conservation

efforts in each location. For this study, Nug-as (Alcoy) was chosen
 9

Theoretical Background/ Review of Related Literature

Theory. Criminological IWT literature adopts conventional criminological

approaches to provide theoretical explains for the IWT and possible

responses to it (Wellsmith 2010, 2011; Hill in press; Lemieux 2014; Pires

and Clark 2011; Pires and Moreto 2011; Schneider 2012). The IWT

presents a ‘suitable target’ in terms of Cohen & Felson’s (1979) routine

activities theory, in that the significant financial rewards and the absence of

strong enforcement and punishment (see also Section 4) motivate the

 10

offender to carry out the offence. This perspective is useful as it points not

only to the motivation of the offender, but also to other ‘essential’ causal

factors, such as situational characteristics and approaches (e.g. law

enforcement). Sykes and Matza’s (1957) techniques of neutralisation, which

explains that offenders neutralize their harmful activities to enable them to

commit unacceptable acts, has been used to explain both violence towards

humans and other species (McMullan and Perrier 1997; Eliason 2003,

Sollund 2012). The neutralisation process is assisted by social mechanisms

and phenomena such as social distance and social nearness (Bauman

1989, Cohen 2001, Sollund 2008) and involves four steps, two of which are

‘denial of injury’ and ‘denial of the victim’. These particular concepts are

useful in explaining the harms committed in the IWT, as this offence is often

perceived to be a victimless crime (Sollund 2008). As previously indicated,

this case study also applies green criminology perspectives in the analysis

and assessment of WLT, incorporating perspectives of justice; eco-justice

and species justice, as well as concepts of rights, such as environmental

and ecorights (White 2013). These perspectives acknowledge that wildlife

trafficking causes harm irrespective of its (temporary) legality; i.e. the period
 11

that passes before trade in a species entails it being moved from CITES II to

CITES I. The direct victims – the animals– either end up suffering in captivity

or die either way.

The literature review, which gathers the key points covered in pertinent

academic and official publications, offers a larger framework for discussing

the findings. The report's main topic is the fauna of the aerial earth.

Body of Knowledge. The literature review, gathers the key points covered

in pertinent academic and official publications, offers a larger framework for

discussing the findings. The report's main topic is the fauna of the aerial

earth.
 12

A growing body of interdisciplinary scientific literature investigating IWT as

well as legal wildlife trade exists. In what follows, a brief overview of the

literature is provided, prior to a concise summary of the key findings from

the literature, with a particular focus on the key issues raised in the case

study as specified in the Analytical Framework and DoW. These NGOs play

a central role in responding to the IWT through “policing” (albeit without

police enforcement powers), educating, and campaigning on this issue.

International and national (in the case of the Philippines) government

agencies, such as DENR-BMB, PCTC, CITES, NIPAS, have contributed to

the literature with key reports establishing both international and local

perspectives on the scale, nature and impacts of IWT. The literature

provides insights both into the motivations and impact of the IWT. 

Causes, Motivations and Incentives. The literature persuasively argues

that the escalation in the collection and killing of wildife is influenced by

market forces and thus motivated largely by the potential for substantial

economic gain; Despite the substantial loss of animal life and widespread

species and eco-system decline, it is important to underline that the majority

 13

of wildlife trade is taking place in compliance with laws and regulations. The

legal and illegal trade in wildlife share motives and incentives; the animals

which are used in the illegal trade are also trafficked for the same purposes

for the legal trade, i.e. the pet trade and the trophy trade, and for medicinal

purposes. A total ban on trade is not necessarily the solution. The literature

suggests such bans can have unexpected and unacceptable consequences.

Rivalan et al. (2007) reveals that the period between the announcement and

effectuation of a species ban (the move from CITES II to CITES I appendix)

is important; notably, this period sees an increase in trafficking which may

exacerbate species decline. Bans can increase collectors’ interest in a

species, thereby increasing its value and the incentive to offend (Low 2003

in Sollund 2011: 445). Lemieux and Clark (2009), Guzman et al. (2007) and

Moyle (2003) also suggest that an international ban may serve to increase

the domestic trade of a species; a consequence equally harmful to the

survival of the species. The strongest argument against the regulation of the

WLT rather than a ban is that regulation provides an array of possibilities for

fraud and corruption (see next sections) and legitimates the wide-scale

abuse and killing of sentient beings.

 14

The literature suggests the causes of IWT are complicated and many –

extending beyond financial gain. Cultural practices of hunting, eating or

using animals may be motivated by religion, traditions, entertainment or

fashion (see Cowdry 2002) – thereby differentiating the motivation of and

incentives for offenders. While there is no recognised criminal profile of an

IWT offender, evidence suggests those motivated to engage in this trade

range from poor hunters and villagers to legitimate businesses, crime

groups, general consumers and corrupt officials, each motivated by a variety

of factors (Wyatt 2013b). What is clear is that much of the trade is

characterised by a luxury orientation.

Organised Crime and the IWT. The involvement of organised crime groups

in IWT is a concern for the DENR-BMB, PCTC, CITES and the UN.

Evidently, not all forms of IWT are controlled by organised crime groups and

most trafficking offence are committed by individuals (e.g. carrying wildlife in

their luggage or on their bodies or as a result of noncompliance).

Nonetheless, the involvement of organised crime groups is noteworthy, and

 15

has brought about international resolutions (by UNODC and CITES) to treat

IWT as serious organised crime.

Levi and Maguire (2004) argue organised crime is a notoriously difficult

concept to define. The literature suggests approaches to definition vary. Yet

claims are made in several literature sources that IWT is linked to organised

crime (Wyatt 2011, 2013; South and Wyatt 2011; Wilson-Wilde 2010; Alacs

and George 2008; Warchol et al. 2003; Lowther et al. 2002; Zimmerman

2003; Schneider 2012; Renctas 2001) but often without an explanation of

what ‘organised crime’ is. The UN Convention against Transnational

Organised Crime (Article 2a) defines organised crime as (UNODC 2015): 

A group of three or more persons that was not randomly formed; Existing for

a period of time; Acting in concert with the aim of committing at least one

crime punishable by at least four years' incarceration; In order to obtain,

directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit. However, to

distinguish these groups from the many others containing three or more

people and working in concert for an extended period, the UNODC (2015)

website also states: “the true defining characteristics of organised crime

groups under the Convention are their profit-driven nature and the
 16

seriousness of the offences they commit” - which is consistent with our

understanding of the IWT. There is no legal definition of organised crime or

criminal organisation in the Ph (existing criminal laws are used to

prosecute). For the purpose of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy

(Home Office 2013 S2.3, 14), organised crime is “serious crime planned,

coordinated and conducted by people working together on a continuing

basis. Their motivation is often, but not always, financial gain”.

Organised crime is defined somewhat differently in academic literature.

Schneider’s (2012:52) narrower definition involves more than two people

committing crime over time with the capacity to operate outside their

countries boundaries. Wyatt (2013 b), argues that the IWT market is not

necessarily consistent with official understanding of organised crime and

groups (Paoli and Fijnaut 2006 in Wyatt 2013: 90), instead suggesting the

following definition in relation to IWT: Organised crime “is violent, long-

lasting, structured, rationale, and adaptive, with networks to legitimate and

illegitimate industries”. Schneider (2012) indicates further research is

necessary to understand the connection between organised crime and IWT.

Organised groups involved in the IWT are reportedly well resourced (e.g.
 17

heavily armed and mobile with the necessary resources to carry out bribery

and complicated trafficking operations) and able to fight rangers protecting

the wildlife (Wyatt 2013b; Schneider 2012).. Asia Pacific is responsible for a

quarter of the world’s IWT (Lin 2005: 201). Elliot (2007:499) suggests

environmental crime here, including IWT, “generates the kinds of ‘pernicious

effects...on regional stability and development, [and] the maintenance of the

rule of law and the welfare of the region’s people’ that the ASEAN

Declaration on Transnational Crime identified as matters of serious

concern”. Organised crime groups in Colombia and Mexico also corrupt law

and order, which, indirectly, leads to social insecurity (Wyatt 2013b; see also

Schneider 2012).

Studies into the IWT also identify a connection to the drugs trade (Warchol

et al. 2003; Zimmerman 2003; South and Wyatt 2009:555), crime groups

move between markets and trade in whatever “goods” are available and

profitable. Schneider (2012:54) argues that “pound for pound, exotic,

endangered birds are worth more to smugglers than cocaine”. Zimmerman

(2003) claims that IWT is in the hands of organised crime groups who use

the same routes for trafficking drugs and wildlife. Wildlife has a variety of
 18

uses: dead animals conceal drugs, live animals act as drug carriers, and

both are used to barter for narcotics and launder drug money (Zimmermann

2003: 16; South and Wyatt 2009: 555). There is, however, an important

difference between the drugs trade and the IWT: the drugs trafficked (with

some exceptions) are illegal, while there is no parallel legal trade. In

contrast, the legal wildlife trade offers greater possibilities for committing

offences, laundering profits and circumventing regulations (Warchol et al.

2003; Wyatt 2009). While there is a strong support for the presence of

organised crime syndicates in some forms of IWT, it is evident that even

when these crime groups are not controlling the trade, it remains highly

organised (Sun and Sheikh 2009).

Response. Parties to the CITES convention are required to monitor and

regulate the trade in more than 35,000 wild species, through the adoption of

domestic legislation which implements CITES at a national level (CITES

Secretariat n.d.). CITES has been signed by 180 parties, including the case

study countries; Reeve (2002) indicates that a study by the environmental

resources management in 1973 found 75% of parties viewed CITES as

 19

effective in deterring the IWT. However, as there is no empirical assessment

of CITES regulations, there is no current evaluation of its effectiveness.

Reeve (2002) provides a comprehensive analysis of CITES compliance and

argues that although CITES is a flagship wildlife agreement, it is

compromised by being a self-policed system with no global enforcement

agency to oversee compliance. She suggests the key risks to CITES are the

dissolution of borders (as this makes the permit system irrelevant) and

chronic underfunding.

While most trade in endangered species is regulated under CITES

(alongside other conventions), trade is only banned for critically endangered

species, there are many species that are neither listed, nor protected, within

these conventions (Reeve 2002). The deficiencies of CITES as protection

for threatened wildlife has, therefore, been subject to debate (Kievit 2000;

Reeve 2002; Sollund 2011). The presence of a legal market motivates IWT

as it hides, facilitates, legitimises and encourages the trade in wildlife

(Sollund 2011). This is clearly demonstrated by Warchol et al.’s (2003)

study, which found that trafficking in birds involved various forms of fraud,

including forging CITES certificates/permits, under-reporting numbers,

 20

selling wild caught birds as locally bred, dyeing of feathers and smuggling of

birds in cylinders and sending them as air freight, in addition to bribery of

officials. The problems associated with responding to the IWT – poor

enforcement and conviction rates, lenient punishment when convicted, low

prioritization and political will - are well documented in the literature, in

particular by NGOs and some academic studies. These problems are

increasingly being recognized by international and government agencies.

According to Executive Director of the UNODC, Yury Fedotov: “In many

cases, inadequate laws and sanctions, under-resourced and weak

capacities in law enforcement and lack of coordination between competent

authorities are being exploited by criminal networks” (2013, np). Both the

secretary general of CITES and Fedotov argued for harsher prosecution and

punishment especially for organised criminal networks taking advantage of

the low risks and high profits (CITES 2013b). The literature highlights

political, public and judicial attitudes require harmonization, especially with

reference to prioritising IWT and identifying adequate responses. The move,

aforementioned, to prioritise the IWT as a serious crime enhances the

 21

response, not least because ‘organised’ crimes are punished more severely

and beget a more robust enforcement approach. 

The Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Perspectives

Illegal Wildlife trafficking involves the illegal trade, smuggling, poaching,

capture, or collection of endangered species, protected wildlife (including

animals or plants that are subject to harvest quotas and regulated by

permits), derivatives, or products thereof. There is, however, no universally

accepted definition of the term and different jurisdictions and organizations

employ different terminology (Biegus & Bueger, 2017; UNODC, 2016;

Wellsmith, 2011).

International organizations, such as UNODC and INTERPOL use the

term 'wildlife and forest crime' to 'refer to the taking, trading (supplying,

selling or trafficking), importing, exporting, processing, possessing, obtaining

and consumption of wild fauna and flora, including timber and other forest

products, in contravention of national or international law. Broadly speaking,

wildlife and forest crime is the illegal exploitation of the world's wild flora and

fauna' (UNODC, 2019).

 22

The illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to wildlife across many parts

of the world. With thousands of species now traded (Wyler and Sheikh,

2008; Sas-Rolfes et al., 2019; Esmail et al., 2020), it represents an urgent

conservation challenge that has received global attention (Duffy and

Humphreys, 2014). However, measuring the full extent of this trade is

difficult, with estimates often based on seizure records that are subject to

detection and reporting bias (e.g., levels of law enforcement and reporting

may differ between regions, and non-English reports may be omitted;

Underwood et al., 2013; Utermohlen and Baine, 2017). The illegal and

sensitive nature of the trade complicates monitoring efforts, and generating

data on the routes and actors involved is a complex task, resulting in often

simplified accounts and debates on how to tackle the issue due to a limited

understanding of complexities across different systems (Phelps et al., 2016;

Sas-Rolfes et al., 2019).

lllegal wildlife trade (IWT) is here defined as trade in wildlife or wildlife

parts, derivatives, or by-products that violates either international legal

 23

frameworks or the national legislation of affected countries, thereby

encompassing both domestic laws and CITES regulations. It comprises wild

species of fauna and flora, excluding illegal fishing and logging. IWT

encompasses the entire illegal supply chain of wildlife crime, thereby

including activities such as illegally killing or poaching, transporting,

smuggling, exchanging, selling, purchasing, and possessing wild fauna and

flora. This further includes the various forms of money laundering,

corruption, and marketing of illicit goods necessary for these transactions to

occur. This definition is based on and was adapted from Haenlein and

Smith, 2016; OECD, 2019; and TRAFFIC, 2020.

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is one of the significant causes of damage to

biodiversity and the extinction of species globally. Southeast Asia has been

the epicenter and hotspot for the illegal wildlife trade (Pires et. al., 2021).

The Philippines is one of the most affected by the unsustainable wildlife

trade due to many of its common and uncommon species (Heinrich et. al,

2021). Journals and publications between 2012- 2022 on the illegal wildlife

trade were reviewed. These journals focus on consumer demand, driving

 24

factors of wildlife trade, most illegal wildlife traded species, and awareness

of illegal wildlife trade. With the list of most traded species and their prices in

literature, it appears that there is still a demand for these Philippine species

with the increasing illegal wildlife trades. With the COVID 19 pandemic,

people are confined at home which makes them increase their time

accessing the internet and these social media sites. This increases the

possibility of coming across illegal traders. Likewise, these illegal wildlife

traders increase their possibility of selling these species online since social

media sites or other websites can be easily accessed by just having a

computer, mobile, or any gadget with access to the internet. However, a

method of tackling the Illegal wildlife trade is awareness and education.

Studies show that if the consumer is aware of where the species came from

or if the species has been exploited, chances are they may decide not to

buy these species or products containing these species. (Welton et. al,

2013).

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a global conservation and development

issue that threatens many species of fauna and flora and affects the
 25

livelihoods of people who are dependent upon wildlife. Escalating poaching

is one of the key drivers of species decline along with habitat loss (Symes et

al., 2018), driven by both increasing international demand for wildlife

products in consumer countries (UNODC, 2016) and by rising social

inequalities in source countries (Moneron et al., 2020; Liew et al., 2021).

Premium prices placed on illegally traded wildlife can act as an incentive for

people living in areas of high poverty and poor governance to engage in

poaching activities (Hübschle and Shearing, 2018). However, although the

need to alleviate poverty and address broader socio-economic inequity as

key motivations to engage in IWT is increasingly being recognized, this does

not always translate to action on the ground (WWF and IIED, 2019).

Globally, responses to tackling IWT have primarily relied on

strengthening law enforcement, or to a lesser extent on demand reduction

campaigns in consumer countries. Analysis by the World Bank estimated

that from US$1.3 billion invested in combatting IWT between 2010 and

2016, 65% was allocated to protected area management and law

enforcement, compared to just 15% for community-focused projects (Wright

 26

et al., 2016). Similarly, an analysis of government commitments made at

international IWT conferences held in London in 2014, Kasane in 2015, and

Hanoi in 2016 show that those under the supporting sustainable livelihoods

and economic development pillar have made the least progress compared

to others (eradicating the market for illegal wildlife products, building

effective legal frameworks and strengthening law enforcement) (WWF and

IIED, 2019).

The sheer scale of IWT and the involvement of international criminal

networks suggests a need for boots on the ground (IIED and IUCN SULi,

2019). Similarly, the perception that IWT is a “crisis,” requiring immediate

responses to poaching incidents, might help to explain the prominence of

law enforcement in anti-IWT strategies (IIED and IUCN SULi, 2019;

TRAFFIC, 2021). However, top-down approaches, including the use of

militarized tactics, often fail to account for underlying motivations behind

poaching (Challender and MacMillan, 2014), and can worsen already

strained people-park relations and lead to human rights abuses (Duffy et al.,

2015; Massé et al., 2017). In ignoring historic costs of conservation, heavy-

 27

handed enforcement efforts can both remove incentives for local people to

engage in conservation (Cooney et al., 2016; Ngorima et al., 2020) and

provide incentives to engage in illegal behavior (Hübschle and Shearing,

2018; Lunstrum and Givá, 2020; Mogomotsi et al., 2020).

Not all law enforcement approaches are problematic, however, and

communities can work successfully in partnership with traditional

enforcement authorities. This might take several forms, including local

people being employed or volunteering as wildlife scouts or guardians, as

well as acting as informants (Moreto et al., 2017; Anagnostou et al., 2020).

Collaboration between these traditional authorities and local people can be

particularly useful in complementing formal ranger patrols with actionable

intelligence, especially when this approach is both cognizant of local and

cultural circumstances and confidential to avoid any repercussions to

informants from within their community (Anagnostou et al., 2020; Atuo et al.,

2020). Building mutual trust is key to maintaining strong community-ranger

relationships, where rangers can act as a bridge between these two parties
 28

and help to generate more positive local attitudes toward conservation

(Rizzolo et al., 2021).

Generally, participatory approaches to tackling IWT where communities

feel ownership of and can benefit from wildlife are necessary to build local

support for conservation (Ngorima et al., 2020; Liew et al., 2021).

Engagement might include involving communities in decision making and

project design, implementing alternative livelihoods programs or mitigating

costs from human-wildlife conflict (HWC). The underlying logic is that if

wildlife becomes an asset rather than a cost, local people are more likely to

be motivated to protect it (Biggs et al., 2015).

There is no universal approach, however, when it comes to

implementing community-based anti-poaching interventions (Roe and

Booker, 2019). Instead, solutions should be designed to account for local

contexts which vary based on the cultural, political and environmental

landscape (Biggs et al., 2016). Taking these factors into consideration as

well as understanding how they collectively influence local attitudes and

 29

behavior takes time and can lead to doubts amongst anti-IWT project

designers and implementers about best practice (Roe and Booker, 2019).

An additional problem is the lack of knowledge on the effectiveness of

involving Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in efforts to

reduce poaching for international IWT. There is similarly limited knowledge

on the types of outcomes that are typically achieved in these approaches

and how they have been measured.

 30

THE PROBLEM

Wildlife crime is a big business. Run by dangerous international

networks, wildlife and animal parts are trafficked much like illegal drugs and

arms. By its very nature, it is almost impossible to obtain reliable figures for

the value of the illegal wildlife trade. Illegal wildlife trade is driven by high

profit margins. Corruption, toothless laws, weak judicial systems and light

sentences allow criminal networks to keep plundering wildlife with little

regard to consequences. These factors make illegal wildlife trade a low risk

business with high returns. The poachers—often poor locals—are the

usually the only ones caught, leaving the real masterminds and their

network safe and operational with the ability to strike again.

Statement of the Problem

This study intends to ensure the execution of biodiversity conservation

programs by involving local government entities and community

 31

organizations in the towns of Alcoy to preserve the largest natural forest

ecosystem on Cebu Island, the Philippines.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1. The Black Shama Numbers

1.1 Can you provide the numbers of the Siloy to date?  Why it plunged? 

1.2 What other aerial wilds are endemic to Alcoy and their numbers? Could

you provide the latest data of the items?

1.3 Is Black Shama being sourced from the economy? How? 

1.4 Is it a subject to the biggest illicit black activity? If yes, what's in it that it's

targeted? If not, why it shrunk in numbers?

2. The endemic state of Siloy

2.1 If it is under illegal trade, how do you combat it?

 32

2.2 If its not, what are the factors affecting the plunge of its number? Itemize

each.

2.3 What are the actions taken to protect the black shama? (awareness

acts, symposium, etc.)

2.4 What are other government agencies tasked to prevent wildlife

trafficking? Other factors? How do they take part?

3. All about Siloy and the KMYLB 

3.1 What are the functions of KMYLB? Why KMYLB was created?

3.2 If there is an illegal wildlife trafficking/other factors, how will you/KMYLB

take action? 
 33

3.3 How effective the KMYLB in enforcing the law (R.A. 9147 otherwise

known as Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act)?

3.4 Tell me more about Siloy in your life as a forest warden in Alcoy.
 34

Significance of the Study

The goal of this study is to identify the DENR-BMB Region VII's efforts to

safeguard the region’s wildlife. For the researcher to better comprehend

wildlife and the efficacy of the aforementioned bureau's attempts to

safeguard it, this study is crucial. It might also convince certain police

officers to focus on a particular aspect of their work, like upholding more

regulations to safeguard the local wildlife. The general public is made aware

of the wildlife in the nation and is assisted in appreciating the value of

preserving and safeguarding the environment through this research. As

protected wildlife has a huge impact on people's lives, the researcher

primarily undertook this study for the benefit of subsequent generations.

 35

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In each location, semi-structured interviews used via Zoom, Googlemeet,

and Facebook Messenger interviews with the Alcoy Forest Warden.

Because expert participants' busy schedules, limited availability, and

complicated roles necessitated this adaptable strategy. Each interview

followed a general guide that covered the main research questions in a

thematic way. However, interviewees were also encouraged to talk about

other things that would help learn more about how they felt and experienced

the IWT. The interviews lasted less than an hour.

SWOT analysis is the major characteristic of the IWT response in the

region. The section on the strengths and weaknesses examines the benefits

and drawbacks of the current response, particularly concerning wildlife

protection, legislation, and enforcement. The opportunities section lists

forthcoming processes and events that could be used to improve the

response. The law, tools for enforcing it, training, and cooperative activities

are all given special attention. The threats section discusses potential

roadblocks to future action, including changes in the IWT market,

 36

restrictions on legislation, enforcement, other measures, and wildlife

vulnerability.

Research Design

The structure of the inquiry that was used was a qualitative one. An

interpretative, naturalistic approach to its subject matter and creativity and

insight in the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings make up

the interdisciplinary field of qualitative research. This approach was

expected to explore the mind boggling peculiarity of the IWT and to meet the

previously mentioned project targets. A theoretical and descriptive account

of the IWT that can be applied to the regional wildlife context as a whole is

made easier by the design.

The researcher used the narrative type of research to illustrate the actual

scenario of determining the presence of IWT in the province. Thru virtual

one-on-one interviews, we can obtain primary information from the subject

to visualize the realm. To find persons with first-hand knowledge of the IWT,

both a purposive and snowball sampling strategy were required. During

 37

sampling, key organizations and individuals involved in regulating and

responding to the IWT were identified, and interviewees were asked to

suggest relevant organizations and individuals for additional research.

Research Environment

The study will be conducted at the municipality of Alcoy's largest and

furthest mountain barrio, Barangay Nug-as, situated 92 miles away with a

total land area of 25 km2, it is 16 km west of the municipal building and km

south of Cebu City.

The West Visayas Faunal Region is generally recognized as one of the

world’s highest conservation priority areas, both in terms of numbers of

endemic species and degrees of threat. It is the most vulnerable of the

faunal regions of the Philippines. It has the least remaining forest cover and

the highest number of threatened endemic species and subspecies, with

Cebu island being the most distinct sub-center of endemicity.

 38

Research Participants

The participants of this study are the Forest Wardens of Alcoy.

Research Instrument

The researchers will utilize the Zoom, Googlemeet and Messenger app

as the primary platforms for virtual avenue one-on-one interviews with a

fixed question to the participants.

Research Procedure

First, the researcher will ask for approval from its Dean of the

Department, Research Adviser and Research Instructor. Second, the

researcher will send a letter to the Office of the Alcoy Mayor. The letter will

be sent via online avenue by the Researcher. Third, when approved, we will

float consent forms to the participants to be conducted the Researcher thru

an online avenue.. Fourth, after the floating of consent forms, the

Researcher will proceed to the virtual interview. Fifth, the Researcher will

move to the interpretation of data. Lastly, the Researcher will present the

study in the research panel for publication.

Data Collection
 39

The method of collecting data is through one on one interviews in Zoom,

Googlemeet, and Facebook Messenger. In this kind of manner, we can

extract real and personal pieces of information.

Ethical Consideration

As a critical researcher, the case study is carried out with an awareness of

and sensitivity to the high ethical standards as standardized in criminological

research. In doing so, the study followed the ethical guidelines provided by

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity

Management Bureau, the Local Government of Alcoy, Cebu, and the

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science of the University of Cebu Main in

collaboration with the UC-Cares. The Philippine Center on Transnational

Crime (PCTC) Regional Office VII Headquarters presented criminal cases,

which were examined under their standards and confidentiality

requirements.

Trustworthiness of the Research

 40

The context of this paper is all of its worth and is valued on high trust.

Project data is collected and stored following the terms of the Data Privacy

Act of 2012.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are operationally defined in this study:

Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. (Republic Act No.

9147). An Act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife

resources and their habitats, appropriating funds therefor and for other

purposes.

CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora.

Illegal Wildlife Trade – The trade-in of illegally acquired or internationally

protected species. Also includes legally-acquired or gray-market species.

 41

Patrol – A planned or routine reconnoiter of an area or roadway. Anti-

poaching patrols may be hours long, but some may be multi-day excursions

across large properties or reserves.

Poacher – a catchall phrase for anyone who might take part in the illegal

wildlife trade. While some poachers manage their squads and raise their

own money, others may receive sponsorship from a cartel involved in

wildlife trafficking or a criminal organization. A middleman or other company

that can smuggle the product to its target market typically handles the

product's transportation outside of the region. There are various kinds of

poachers, including:

* Subsistence Poachers and Farmers

* Commercial Poachers

* Organized Crime and Criminal Syndicates

* Rebel and Insurgent Militias

* Military and Corrupt Officials

TRAFFIC – Trade Records Analysis on Flora and Fauna in Commerce. a

non-governmental organization that focuses on examining and looking into

wildlife trafficking and trade.

 42

Trafficking – Trafficking, a general phrase for the illicit transit of

commodities, people, animals, guns, and drugs, is synonymous with

"smuggling." Due to the difficulties in identifying traffickers and illegal goods,

many sorts of trafficking, including that of drugs, firearms, and wildlife, are

seen as "low-risk, high-reward" crimes.

Transnational Crime – incidents where unlawful activity or illicit goods

attempt or actually cross international borders.

Wildlife Trafficker – A person who physically carries or finances the

delivery of illegal items from one location to another, usually while

cooperating with a group or criminal organization. Wildlife traffickers may

purchase a commodity outright and falsify documentation, pay off local

officials with bribes, or both in order to mark it up for their wholesale

customers in other nations. In order to enhance supplies

and supply firearms and equipment to local poaching syndicates, they might

even finance them. Visit the Wildlife Traffickers page for real-life examples.

Black market - An economic activity that doesn't go through official

channels.
 43

Black Shama - Copsychus cebuensis) is one of many bird species in the

Muscicapidae family. It is endemic in the Philippine island of Cebu, where it

is called "Siloy" by locals.

PCTC (Philippine Center on Transnational Crime) is to and carry out a

coordinated plan of action amongst all law enforcement, intelligence, and

other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational

crime.

DENR-BMB (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-

Biodiversity Management Bureau) - encourages the participation of our

citizens in managing, safeguarding, and conserving the environment and

natural resources for current and future ages.

BOC (Bureau of Customs) - oversees and monitors the entry and exit of

foreign-trade-related ships and planes.

CHAPTER 2
 44

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter highlights the findings from informant interviews as well as

data analysis in order to acquire a thorough picture of the study.

Presentation of Data

Data Analysis

CHAPTER 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
 45

This chapter presents the summary and conclusion derived from

the conduct of the study, which is to determine whether or not there is

an illegal wildlife trade of Black Shama in Alcoy.

The study was conducted at Nug-as, Alcoy, province of Cebu.

The participants were the Forest Wardens. They were selected using

random purposive sampling. It employed a qualitative method.

Pertinent data were obtained thru online interviews via Zoom,

Googlemeet, and Facebook Messenger.

Summary of Findings

The findings of the study were summarized according to the statement

of the problem stated in chapter 1. Alcoy, the island's largest forest patch at

1,200 hectares, is currently referred to as "a bastion habitat to majority of

vulnerable species," according to Reinter. More Cebu species are listed as

being at risk of extinction, vulnerable, or highly endangered.

 46

Biodiversity monitoring

The biodiversity biologist argued that the Nug-as-Buljoon Forest experience

demonstrates that if communities construct or restore a forest, biodiversity

would once more flourish in that area. Reintar emphasized that there is

much to be learned from the Nug-as upland farmers' experience, who have

been visiting the forest nine times per week to observe wildlife.

He mentioned those who were hunting and felling trees in the forest, saying

that "there have been people who were arrested because of the (tight)

enforcement". 

Veteran forest guards shared their stories of the successes and setbacks of

local conservation initiatives after the lectures and presentations on Cebu's

biodiversity situation.

According to Participant 1 of KMYLBNA, they currently have a 24-

strong staff of forest wardens for Nug-as-Buljoon forest. "For 20 years, even

without much funding, we found it important to continue forest conservation

and biodiversity monitoring efforts, sometimes against all odds.

 47

The farmers' organization was founded with the intention of creating

agroforestry in sustainable terraced farms, which they still do today.

However, in 1998, it began incorporating biodiversity monitoring. The DENR

granted it a Community-based Forest Management Agreement in 1999.

With the introduction of KMYLB forest wardens in 2002, it improved its

protection of biodiversity. 

The Nug-as Forest Reserve, which has a population of 3,631 (2020), is

situated 753.7 meters or 2,472.7 feet above sea level.

Appendix D

Research Locale
 48

The municipality of Alcoy's largest and furthest mountain barrio, Barangay

Nug-as, is situated 92 miles away with a total land area of 25 km2, it is 16

km west of the municipal building and km south of Cebu City. Barangay

Nug-as has a total population of 3,631 (2020) as per NSO-CPH.

 49

Appendix E

TRANSCRIBE INTERVIEWS

INFORMANT 1

I am Maureen Montano Olvis from University of Cebu, Undergraduate

School. This research pertains to The Philippines’ State of Affairs Against

Illegal Wildlife Trade in Region 7: The Case of Black Shama in Alcoy,

Province of Cebu, Philippines. I am going to give you information and invite

you to be part of this research. You do not have to decide whether or not

you will participate in this research. Before you decide, you can talk to
 50

anyone whom you feel comfortable with about this research. If there are

contents in the interview guide that you do not understand along in the

interview process and find it ambiguous then feel free to ask me. Rest

assured that all your answers/responses that you will provide will be treated

with utmost confidentiality.

Do you agree? Yes.

1. The Black Shama Numbers

1.1 Can you provide the numbers of the Siloy to date?  Why it plunged? 

1.1 Aduna ka bay kasinatian sa ihap kon pila na lang ka book ang langgam

siloy dinhi sa Alcoy?. Pananglit ni ubos man ang ihap, sa imong pagtoo,

unsa man ang hinongdan?.

1.2 What other aerial wilds are endemic to Alcoy and their numbers? Could

you provide the latest data of the items?

 51

1.2. Udana pa bay lain nga klase sa langgam nga dinhi ra makit an sa

lungsod sa Alcoy?.  Palihug panganli unya iapil ang ihap pila ka buok kada

pangalan. Sa imong kasinatian, mao ni ang pinaka bag o nga ihap aning

mga langgama?.

1.3 Is Black Shama being sourced from the economy? How? 

1.3  Sa imong kasinatian, aduna bay namaligya ug black shama sa inyong

dapit?. Unsaon man pag paagi sa pagbaligya?

1.4 Is it a subject to the biggest illicit black activity? If yes, what's in it that it's

targeted? If not, why it shrunk in numbers?

1.4. Na apil na ba ang siloy (black shama) sa " black market" nga

pagbaligya sa mga hayop nga dili mahimo dakpon, ibaligya, o  paliton?.

Unsa man ang aduna niining langgam siloy nga popolar man kaayo sa

illegal nga pagpamaligya?. Sumala sa imong kasinatian, unsa kaha ang

hinongdan sa pagpadayon nga pag ubos sa ihap niining langgam siloy?.

(black shaman).
 52

2. The endemic state of Siloy

1.1 If it is under illegal trade, how do you combat it?

1.2 Kung sa imong kasinatian adunay ginadili nga pagpamaligya

sa langgam siloy, aduna ka bay na huna hunaan nga pamaagi

unsaon pag santa niini.?

1.3 If its not, what are the factors affecting the plunge of its

number? Itemize each

1.2 Kung wala kay nahibaloan nga mga ginadili nga pagpanakup

ug pagpamaligya aning langgam siloy, aduna ka bay nakita nga

hinungdan nganong nagpadayon sa pag kunhod o pag ubos sa

ihap niining langgam siloy. Palihug isulat tagsa tagsa. 

2.3 What are the actions taken to protect the black shama? (awareness

acts, symposium, etc.)

 53

2.4 What are other government agencies tasked to prevent wildlife

trafficking? Other factors? How do they take part?

1. All about Siloy and the KMYLB 

3.1 What are the functions of KMYLB? Why KMYLB was created?

3.2 If there is an illegal wildlife trafficking/other factors, how will you/KMYLB

take action? 

3.3 How effective the KMYLB in enforcing the law (R.A. 9147 otherwise

known as Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act)?

3.4 Tell me more about Siloy in your life as a forest warden in Alcoy.
54
 55

Appendix F

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA:

Name : Maureen M. Olvis

 56

Address : F. Llamas St. Corner Doña Maria 1 Village, Punta Princesa

Cebu City

Provincial Address : Cebu City, Cebu

Contact Number : 0956-514-3528

Email : maureen.olvis16@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Tertiary

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science

University of Cebu- Main Campus

S.Y. 2019-present

Secondary

Colegio de San Francisco Javier

Strand: HUMSS

Elementary
 57

Rizal SDA Elem. School