DENR Confirms Saltwater Crocodile Rescued in Boracay Island

Boracay -A Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) was turned-over to CENRO Boracay in  Hagdan, Brgy Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan on July 25, 2024 after it was successfully captured.

DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Joanette S. Opeda received the crocodile from its rescuers. Through a collaborative effort among the DENR, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Boracay Lifeguard,
Malay-MDRRMO, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Brgy. Balabag and local residents, the crocodile was successfully captured and rescued by 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon of July 25, 2024.

The crocodile was first captured in a video around noontime by the local children, one of them was Rey Sastre, who also reported the incident to the authorities. At 1:30 PM, CENRO Boracay received the report of a saltwater crocodile sighting at Sinagpa Beach in Barangay Balabag.

The CENRO Boracay Conservation and Development Section (CDS), along with its Quick Response Team (QRT), promptly responded to the location. Upon arrival, the team was unable to locate the crocodile. But by 2:30 PM, the crocodile was observed again at Diniwid Beach, adjacent to Sinagpa Beach. It was there that rescuers successfully took it out of the water.

After its rescue, the Conservation and Development Section (CDS) conducted data collection on the crocodile. The animal measured 250cm (2.5 m) in length and 25.5 cm (0.255 m) in width, with an estimated weight of 50-60 kilograms. It was noted to have barnacles on its scales signifying it spent a long period at sea. The gender could not be determined.

Following data collection and under the direction of DENR 6 OIC, Chief Conservation and Development Division, Emelyn S. Peñaranda PhD., who was attending a learning event thereat and OIC, CENRO Joannette S. Opeda, with the assistance MDRRMO and PCG, the
crocodile was transported to LMJ Resort, located at Brgy. Napaan, Malay, Aklan at around 5:30 PM. LMJ Resort is the nearest facility issued with a Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) and is equipped to provide appropriate care for the crocodile.

It was suspected that the saltwater crocodile may have originated from Mindoro, Romblon, or Palawan, areas known for crocodile populations. It is believed that the crocodile may have been migrating but was washed ashore due to strong currents
associated with the recent typhoon Carina.

“I commend the efforts of CENRO Boracay along with our government partners, the local officials and community members for their bravery in rescuing the crocodile and it didn’t harm anyone in the locality, especially the tourists. This is just a random incident and
we assure the community and tourists the island is still safe. Now we know what surprises a typhoon can bring,” DENR 6 OIC Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla said.

“On a serious note, biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection is our focus and crocodiles have an important role in our saltwater ecosystem. Let us continue to protect and conserve them and it’s indeed a demonstration of a joint effort of stakeholders for the safety of all and the conservation of our wildlife,” he added./DENR 6