At least 23 pangolins---also known as scaly anteaters---were uncovered by coast guard aboard a Manila-bound ship, marking the second case of trafficking the endangered species in a month.
Twenty-two live pangolins, as well as one dead, were discovered when the coast guard acted on a tip and searched the boat about to depart from the western island of Palawan on Saturday.
And spokesman for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Alex Marciada, says that the endangered animals were most likely captured on the island and destined for Manila.
"At least we got them back and we are now trying to rehabilitate them at the rescue center," Marciada said.
This incident marks the second time in a month that pangolin trafficking was uncovered.
Hundreds of scaly anteaters were found frozen earlier in the month aboard a Chinese fishing vessel after the ship ran aground close to Palawan.
Crew aboard the ship were detained and charged with poaching and illegal entry, according to Marciada who added that further charges of trafficking a protected species could also be filed---a crime that could result in a 20-year prison sentence.
But as of now, no arrests have been made in the most recent case of pangolin smuggling.
And while the cargo's owner has not been determined at this time, the government is deliberating over whether to charge the boat's owner instead.
Poachers target pangolins for their meat, skin and scales. In China, the mammal is considered to be a delicacy and is heralded for its medicinal qualities.
International law protects all species of pangolins.