The DENR reports three sightings of a saltwater crocodile in Malapatan, Sarangani, since late August
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a warning to fishermen and barangay officials in Sarangani Bay planning and organizing to capture a saltwater crocodile sighted in the area, urging them to leave the task to professionals.
DENR-Soccsksargen Executive Director Felix Alicer said only trained experts should handle such operations, but he advised residents to stay cautious when near the water.
“This type of crocodile is quite aggressive. They are referred to as ambush predators, they wait for their prey,” Alicer told local broadcaster 102.3 Barangay FM on Thursday, September 19.
Alicer said crocodile sightings were reported on August 27, September 1, and September 11. He added that they were able to get drone footage of the crocodile off the coast of Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani.
Roberto Davalos, a Bantay Dagat volunteer, reported the sighting of a saltwater crocodile near the shores of Juanico Village in Barangay Lun Padidu, Malapatan.
The crocodile was estimated to be approximately three to four meters in length, based on the drone footage.
“We received information that the crocodile is not alone. There could be others, and this is what we are trying to validate,” Alicer said.
Cirilo Lagnason Jr., the area superintendent of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, said this is the first documented sighting of a saltwater crocodile in Sarangani Bay.
Lagnason said saltwater crocodiles are “aggressive and large enough to perceive humans as prey.”
The plan to capture the crocodile began as a challenge from Rogelio Solis, the chairman of Barangay Buayan, after he grew frustrated with criticisms about local officials ignoring their calls for help.
Fisherfolk and residents of Purok Minanga, located along the delta of the Buayan River, have repeatedly reported sightings of the crocodile, which has frightened the community and hindered their ability to fish.
The crocodile was last seen near houses on the evening of Saturday, September 14, according to resident Carlo Cabradilla, expressing frustration because have grown tired of asking help from village officials.
“It has already affected our income and livelihood,” he said.
Toto, a neighbor of Cabradilla said that in one of their fishing trips, they were startled to see a crocodile swimming alongside their banca.
Cabradilla said they last saw the crocodile near houses around 7 pm on Saturday.
“We immediately called the authorities but no one came,” he said.
Annoyed by the criticisms, Solis dared villagers in Minanga on Wednesday Minanga: “If you cannot wait for proper authorities to act, join me then, and let us swim to catch that crocodile at sea.”
Alicer, however, cautioned the group, saying, “Better park that plan. If you are not knowledgeable about the behavior of these types of crocodiles, you’re putting your life in great danger.”
Alicer said they have engaged experts to look into the reported sightings along the shorelines of Sarangani Bay and handle the problem.
He said the experts are from Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, a group engaged in the conservation of the reptile, who will help determine the needed course of action to be taken.
Alicer said they will also check if Minanga is a natural habitat of crocodiles.
“Is there a history? If so, do we need adaptation and learn to live with it? We must also determine if there is human-crocodile conflict that affects livelihood, then we will decide on that,” he said.
Earlier, Shalimar Disomangcop, head of the Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, said it would be important to determine whether Purok Minanga is a natural habitat for the crocodile or if it is only there for breeding purposes.
The months of September and October are known breeding seasons for the reptile.
Disomangcop said determining the crocodile’s presence is important, considering the highly territorial nature of the reptile and its potential threat to human safety. – Rappler.com
