KUALA LUMPUR: A Chinese wildlife smuggler who has been arrested twice attempting to bring rare Philippines turtles and lizards into Hong Kong was banned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from returning to the Philippines. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said his department received an assurance from the Philippine consulate in Xiamen, China, that it would assist in preventing the reentry of Zhang Wen Wei, a Chinese national reportedly involved in wildlife trafficking in Southeast Asia. In a letter to the DENR, Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz said his office will closely monitor the possible reapplication for visa by the Chinese man. “We are very thankful (for) Mr. Cruz's decision as there is no room for such kind of tourists whose intention is to extract and exploit our wildlife resources, especially those considered endemic and endangered," Paje said in a statement. He also gave his appreciation for Hong Kong authorities for their cooperation not only in the enforcement of international laws on wildlife trade, but also in exerting genuine efforts to return the smuggled Philippine wildlife. “Inasmuch as we have local laws to protect the country's rich biodiversity, the international community also recognizes the importance of protecting wildlife that are endemic or indigenous to any country or locality, and prevent them from being illegally transported to end up as pets, or worse, as accessories or delicacies," he said in comments published by Philippine Daily Inquirer.
