The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed that the recent sightings of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Sarangani Bay are not new. Reports about these creatures date back to 2012, when a crocodile was found dead in a creek in General Santos City.
Roy Mejorada, an official from the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), shared that the first dead crocodile was found in Malok Creek, Labangal in July 2012. Another crocodile was found in 2014, and now the its remains in the Sarangani Wildlife Museum.
Recently, a four-meter saltwater crocodile was spotted near Barangay Buayan in General Santos City, causing panic among residents. It was first spotted on August 27, and was spotted again on September 11, causing locals to think of capturing or killing the crocodile out of fear for their safety and livelihood.
However, the DENR issued a warning against catching or killing crocodiles because they are critically endangered species in the Philippines. Killing or taking such animals is illegal and can result in severe penalties. According to Felix Alicer, DENR executive director in Soccsksargen, only experienced professionals should handle the situation because crocodiles are dangerous.
Wildlife experts are contacting the DENR to catch the crocodile and take a DNA sample to determine its origin. However, they find it difficult to locate the crocodile and obtain the necessary legal permits. Marvin Sarmiento, a field biologist, explained that saltwater crocodiles are strong swimmers and often travel between islands. Through DNA comparisons, it can be determined if the crocodile came from somewhere else before arriving in Sarangani, as other crocodiles have done in the past.
The crocodile population in the Philippines is small, with only about 6,000 saltwater crocodiles left. According to Sarmiento, the crocodile is moving along the shores with mangroves along Sarangani Bay, based on reports from locals. He added that although the crocodile seems to have moved away from the area, it is important not to think that it is completely gone.
Crocodile tracking will continue until mid-October. Sarmiento emphasized that while protecting human life is important, people need to understand the role of wildlife in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Expanding public knowledge about crocodiles will help to prevent such incidents in the future.
