Sarangani Province – A series of successful wildlife rescue and release operations this June has highlighted the growing environmental consciousness and strong partnerships between local communities and government agencies in Sarangani and neighboring areas.
Among the most notable efforts was the turnover and safe release of two Reticulated Pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Sarangani. The first python, measuring 7.10 feet, was voluntarily surrendered by Romnick Salas, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Alabel, on June 13. Just a week later, another python measuring 281 cm was reported by a private company and retrieved by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Alabel. Both reptiles were examined and cleared for release by DENR veterinarian Dr. Roy Mejorada at the PAMO-Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) Marine Wildlife Rescue Center.
On June 19, a total of 78 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings made their way into the Sarangani Bay along Barangay Tango in Glan. The conservation milestone was made possible through the collaboration of DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Glan and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Tango. The activity also featured a community awareness campaign to educate residents on the importance of sea turtles, particularly their nesting behaviors like natal homing and imprinting.
Adding to the string of conservation wins was the rescue of a Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), discovered hopping along the roadside near the public market of Barangay South, General Santos City, on June 22. A vigilant tricycle driver brought the small primate to BLGU South, which quickly coordinated with CENRO GenSan. The tarsier was examined and found to be healthy, and on June 24, it was released into the Tarsier Sanctuary in Barangay Linan, Tupi, South Cotabato—part of the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), known for its lush habitat and biodiversity.
Across these incidents, the DENR and its field offices lauded the growing participation of ordinary citizens, local governments, and private entities in wildlife conservation. “These responsible and proactive actions demonstrate how communities can play a vital role in preserving our natural heritage,” said DENR officials. Dr. Mejorada emphasized that all wildlife, including snakes, sea turtles, and primates, are key players in maintaining ecological balance.
The DENR continues to urge the public to report wildlife encounters to the nearest office rather than causing harm. These efforts ensure that animals are treated humanely and released back into safe, natural environments in accordance with environmental laws such as Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
With continued collaboration and public education, Sarangani and its neighboring areas are becoming powerful models for grassroots-driven conservation and environmental stewardship.