Authorities from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 successfully rescued and secured two wildlife species in separate incidents in Cotabato, underscoring efforts to protect and rehabilitate endangered and vulnerable animals in the region.
On February 5, 2025, a rescued adult male Philippine Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) was turned over to the DENR-12 Wildlife Rescue Center after being reported to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Matalam. The monkey was found in Purok Libertad, Barangay Buhay, Makilala, Cotabato, exhibiting aggressive behavior, allegedly following an altercation with a group of monkeys. Concerned about the safety of both the animal and the community, the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Buhay coordinated with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of LGU Makilala to seek assistance from the DENR.
A team from the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato, along with CENRO Matalam personnel, responded swiftly and successfully captured the primate. Given its stressed state and potential threat to human safety, authorities decided to transfer the macaque to the DENR-12 Wildlife Rescue Center for further observation and evaluation before considering its return to the wild.
Dr. Neil Velasco, the center’s resident veterinarian, stated that the 9.5-kilogram macaque did not sustain any visible injuries but showed signs of stress and defensive behavior. Experts highlighted that adult male macaques can become aggressive when they feel threatened. The center will closely monitor the primate to ensure proper rehabilitation before determining an appropriate course of action for its reintegration into its natural habitat.
In another wildlife rescue operation, an injured male Chinese Sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza soloensis) was turned over to PENRO Cotabato on February 6, 2025, after a concerned citizen of Poblacion, Kidapawan City, prevented its suspected sale. The citizen noticed a man carrying the bird within their subdivision and, suspecting an illegal transaction, persuaded the individual to surrender the raptor. However, the man refused to disclose its origins. Upon taking possession of the bird, the citizen attempted to release it but observed that it was unable to stand properly, prompting immediate intervention by DENR officials.
A joint evaluation conducted by the Conservation and Development Section, in coordination with University of Southern Mindanao (USM) veterinary student Bernhart Immanuel Piñol, revealed that the bird weighed seventy grams, measured sixteen inches in length, and exhibited a stressed condition with an unresponsive right leg. Due to its injury, the raptor was deemed unfit for immediate release.
Although the Chinese Sparrowhawk is classified as “Least Concern” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, it remains vulnerable to habitat threats and illegal capture during migration. Given its condition, the DENR collaborated with the University of Southern Mindanao Wildlife Rescue and Research Center to provide the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation. Once fully recovered, the raptor will be released back into its natural habitat to resume its migratory journey.
The DENR-12 continues to remind the public of the importance of wildlife conservation and adherence to Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Authorities encourage individuals to report any wildlife concerns to the proper agencies to ensure the safety and protection of both animals and communities.
