People of Purok Mercedes, Brgy. Abuanan, Bago City found another crocodile in an irrigation canal, Sunday afternoon, prompting the Environment and Natural Resources Office in Bacolod City to request for investigation from the Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau.

Barangay Captain Raymundo Abuana said it is the fifth crocodile found in the area and the people have drafted a petition against the management of a wildlife farm where, they allege, the reptiles came from.

Abuana said he told the people to remain sober, and instead, request CENRO to discuss the situation with the farm management. The people want to see the fences tightly secured, he said.

The management used to buy back the crocodiles from the people who found them, but this time, residents in the area reported the incident to the barangay, Abuana said. The people fear for the safety of their children who frequent the irrigation canal, he added.

CENRO Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, who went to the area to get the saltwater crocodile and turn it over to the Eco Garden in Bacolod City, said PAWB personnel are expected to arrive this week to check on the crocodiles.

He said PAWB has the expertise to confirm if the reptiles came from the crocodile farm or not.

The crocodile found Sunday afternoon weighs approximately 4 kilos and measures 1 meter in length, Gerangaya said. Markings on its tail bore resemblance to those of the injured crocodile found on Sept. 5 with the upper portion of its snout cut off.

Gerangaya said the similarities are obvious, although the caretaker of the crocodile farm insisted that they have a complete count of their reptiles.*NAB

back to top