Kidapawan City, Cotabato – A female Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), one of the world’s rarest crocodilian species, was successfully rescued by residents of Barangay Sarayan, President Roxas, on May 30, 2025, and released back into the wild in Liguasan Marsh, Kabacan, Cotabato, on June 4, 2025.
The 6.6-foot-long, 60-kilogram crocodile was first spotted in a creek by Alfred Villanueva and his companions, who noticed it repeatedly returning to the same location. Acting swiftly, they secured the animal and alerted local officials from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU).
Barangay Chairman Renato Lagdamen reported the incident to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato. A validation team from PENRO Cotabato and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Matalam was promptly dispatched. The crocodile was found to be in good health following a veterinary assessment by Dr. Jessa Del Remonde of Kidapawan City.
The animal was temporarily housed at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Wildlife Rescue Center for observation, in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabacan.
On June 4, the crocodile was safely released into its natural habitat within Liguasan Marsh, a key wetland area in Cotabato. The release operation was made possible through the collaboration of USM Wildlife Rescue Center, LGU Kabacan, BLGU Cuyapon, and deputized Bantay Pawas/Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) from Barangay Cuyapon.
The Philippine freshwater crocodile is endemic to the country and is classified as Critically Endangered by both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09. With an estimated wild population of only 92 to 137 mature individuals, it is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
PENRO Cotabato and CENRO Matalam commended the swift and responsible action of the residents and barangay officials, and reiterated their call for the public to report any wildlife sightings to the nearest DENR office to aid in the protection and conservation of endangered species.