MANILA, Philippines - Zamboanga port police on Thursday seized a total of 300 geckos that were about to be transported illegally to Malaysia.

Bernardo Gartalia, station commander of Zamboanga port police, said the geckos were placed in plastic containers and specially made bamboo cages. He said authorities found the animals during a manual check at the port passenger terminal.

Gartalia said the geckos were supposed to be transported illegally to Malaysia by passing the southern backdoor, traversing the province of Tawi-tawi.

Environment officer Tito Gadon said the collection, transport, trading, possession and destruction of wildlife such as geckos is prohibited under Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Protection and Conservation Act.

Although geckos are not labeled as endangered, the government still prohibits the capture or hunting of geckos without specific permits from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Gadon said any person caught violating the law faces a prison term and appropriate fines.