In August 2008, I had sent the following "open letter" to several newspapers, Ngo's and Foundations.
The Illegal Trade of (Exotic) Animals
Dear Sir, Madam,
I read and was intrigued by three articles in three separate issues of the Philippine Star subject the Philippine Eagle.
I was on my way back to Manila after joining a marathon through some beautiful scenery in Tagaytay last Sunday, July 27th, when on the road around 12:45, we witnessed an individual selling a bird that looked like an eagle (see picture) on the right hand side of the highway, approximately 50 meters passing Garden Hills, when coming from Tagaytay.
We stopped to take some pictures, and when the man realized he was being approached with the intention of being photographed, the individual made a quick retreat, to the left hand side of the highway into a compound in the same vicinity.
This is not the first time I witnessed this trade, we find the same all through the Philippines, Tarsiers being sold in Bohol, Turtles in the Visayas, the list is too long to name.
I can understand that individuals undertake must find ways and means to survive due to poverty and joblessness. There is however no excuse to part-take in this damaging and illegal industry of the trading of exotic animals.
I am appalled that Filipinos tolerate and participate in the trade of these beautiful native, and sometimes protected species, just on the side of the street. It is just another example of us Filipinos disrespecting the beauty of this country.
I hope that my letter will motivate you to not merely find this individual and put him to justice, but for you to scrutinize this illegal trade in exotic animals all through the country, and to hold the benefactors and organizers accountable.
Absence or lack of scrutiny is in fact a direct manner of supporting this illegal trade.
Yours Truly,
Anthony Jake Huiskamp Atienza
I read and was intrigued by three articles in three separate issues of the Philippine Star subject the Philippine Eagle.
I was on my way back to Manila after joining a marathon through some beautiful scenery in Tagaytay last Sunday, July 27th, when on the road around 12:45, we witnessed an individual selling a bird that looked like an eagle (see picture) on the right hand side of the highway, approximately 50 meters passing Garden Hills, when coming from Tagaytay.
We stopped to take some pictures, and when the man realized he was being approached with the intention of being photographed, the individual made a quick retreat, to the left hand side of the highway into a compound in the same vicinity.
This is not the first time I witnessed this trade, we find the same all through the Philippines, Tarsiers being sold in Bohol, Turtles in the Visayas, the list is too long to name.
I can understand that individuals undertake must find ways and means to survive due to poverty and joblessness. There is however no excuse to part-take in this damaging and illegal industry of the trading of exotic animals.
I am appalled that Filipinos tolerate and participate in the trade of these beautiful native, and sometimes protected species, just on the side of the street. It is just another example of us Filipinos disrespecting the beauty of this country.
I hope that my letter will motivate you to not merely find this individual and put him to justice, but for you to scrutinize this illegal trade in exotic animals all through the country, and to hold the benefactors and organizers accountable.
Absence or lack of scrutiny is in fact a direct manner of supporting this illegal trade.
Yours Truly,
Anthony Jake Huiskamp Atienza
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- Scenes & Angles -
(C) Anthony Jake Huiskamp Atienza
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