WCS Laments Murder of Two Conservation Heroes
The Wildlife Conservation Society sent its heartfelt condolences to the families of two men murdered by killers in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Protected Forest. The two men, Sieng Darong, a Forestry Administration ranger and Sab Yoh, a police officer, were on patrol trying to stop illegal logging and poaching.
Ross Sinclair, Director of WCS Cambodia said “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of our two Royal Government of Cambodia partners Sieng Darong, … and Sab Yoh.”
“Darong, 47, and Yoh, 29, were gunned down by cold-blooded killers with high powered weapons as they slept during an overnight patrol tracking illegal loggers and poachers in the Preah Vihear Protected Forest, near Robonh village in northwestern Cambodia in the Choam Khsant district. Darong and Yoh were on patrol with two others. One member of the team escaped while another was wounded but is recovering well.”
The two men and others in their team confiscated chainsaws from an illegal logging site just a few hours before they were attacked and killed. Their investigations were continuing, so they remained in the area.
Patrolling this area is dangerous work, as WCS acknowledged.
“Darong and Yoh had patrolled Cambodia’s forests for many years, understood the dangers of their work, and were focused and determined to protect their forests and wildlife from criminals.”“Darong and Yoh had patrolled Cambodia’s forests for many years, understood the dangers of their work, and were focused and determined to protect their forests and wildlife from criminals.” – Ross Sinclair, Director of WCS Cambodia.
WCS has been working in this area of Cambodia for the past 15 years, with dedicated forest rangers including Darong and Yoh. WCS says Yoh, who is survived by his wife and young daughter, had worked as a WCS counterpart and patrol member since 2009. Darong a patrol team leader, survived by his wife and two daughters, worked with WCS since 2014.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues. In their honor and to honor all those who day in and day out work to protect the forests and wildlife of Cambodia, we will continue to support our government and community partners in their efforts to stop the illegal logging and poaching, and to bring the murderers to justice.”
WCS and the rangers the flora and fauna in the Cambodian forests. The WCS mission is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
“Every day forestry rangers and law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect wildlife and the forests. We should not allow criminals to destroy the forests of Cambodia and to threaten and murder those working tirelessly to protect this country’s natural heritage. Darong and Yoh will always be remembered as conservation heroes.”
