By Jennifer P. Rendon
A saltwater crocodile was caught off the beach of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, on the afternoon of July 25.
Reports said the crocodile was first spotted late Thursday morning at Boracay’s Sinagpa Beach, about 250 meters from the shoreline.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) – Malay received the report around noon.
Big waves initially hindered authorities’ efforts to find and rescue the crocodile. The local government temporarily banned swimming at Boracay Island’s three stations while the crocodile remained at large.
Around 4 p.m., members of the Philippine Coast Guard Boracay, Malay MDRRMO, Malay local government lifeguards, DENR – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay, community volunteers, and local residents captured the reptile at Diniwid Beach.
The crocodile measures about 2.5 meters in length, with a body width of approximately 25.5 centimeters, and weighs around 50-60 kilos.
In a statement, DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Joanette S. Opeda said the crocodile was first seen in a video around noon, captured by Rey Sastre, one of the local children.
The sighting was reported to CENRO Boracay at 1:30 PM, prompting a response from the Conservation and Development Section (CDS) and its Quick Response Team (QRT).
Although the crocodile was initially elusive, it was spotted again at Diniwid Beach at 2:30 PM, where rescuers managed to capture it.
After its rescue, the CDS conducted data collection on the animal, noting barnacles on its scales, which indicated a long period spent at sea.
Following this, under the direction of DENR 6 OIC Chief Conservation and Development Division Emelyn S. Peñaranda Ph.D., and OIC CENRO Joanette S. Opeda, the crocodile was transported to LMJ Resort in Brgy. Napaan, Malay, Aklan at around 5:30 PM.
The resort, equipped with a Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR), is prepared to provide appropriate care for the crocodile.
Suspected to have originated from Mindoro, Romblon, or Palawan, the crocodile may have been migrating but was washed ashore due to strong currents from Typhoon Carina.
