Environment authorities have successfully captured a 10.9-foot saltwater crocodile in Barangay Sebaring, Balabac, following a week-long tracking operation triggered by a recent fatal encounter in the area.
The extraction, conducted by a joint team from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), concluded on January 23, 2026. The reptile is currently being held at the PWRCC facility in Puerto Princesa City for observation and permanent care.
The mission was launched in response to reports of a crocodile attack involving a local resident, identified in local reports as Jerry Cayao, 50, who was found dead in the waters of Sebaring earlier that month.
Capturing the predator was no easy feat. The team spent seven days strategically placing traps and monitoring the mangroves before the 10.9-foot male crocodile was finally secured. Authorities noted that the animal’s size met the specific criteria for removal from the wild, as it posed a direct threat to the coastal community.
Following the capture, the crocodile underwent a grueling journey. It was first transported by boat to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, then transferred to a PCSDS Enforcement Team truck for the long haul to the provincial capital.
Balabac, located at the southernmost tip of Palawan, has long been a hotspot for human-crocodile conflict. As saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) lose their natural habitats to coastal development, encounters with humans have become increasingly frequent and, at times, tragic.
The PCSDS emphasized that while the removal of the animal brings temporary relief to the residents of Sebaring, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
“Ang crocodile attack ay isang seryosong isyu na nangangailangan ng maingat na pagharap. Mapanganib ang mga operasyon ng paghuli o pag-aalis ng buwaya, kaya’t huwag itong subukan nang walang gabay ng mga eksperto.
Tanging ang PCSDS at mga eksperto mula sa PWRCC ang dapat magsagawa ng crocodile extraction.
Pinapayuhan din ang publiko na iwasan ang paglalakad, paliligo, o pangingisda sa mga lugar na may buwaya, at huwag magtapon ng mga patay na hayop o tira-tirang pagkain sa mga katubigan. Sundin ang mga babala at panuntunang pangkaligtasan.”
In light of the incident, the PCSDS issued a fresh set of safety reminders for residents living near Palawan’s river systems and coastal areas:
• Avoid High-Risk Zones: Refrain from swimming, washing clothes, or fishing in areas known for crocodile sightings, especially during dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active.
• Waste Management: Never throw animal carcasses or food scraps into the water, as this attracts predators to residential shorelines.
• Vigilance: Keep a close watch on children and livestock near the water’s edge.
The PWRCC, formerly known as the Crocodile Farming Institute, remains the primary sanctuary for “nuisance” crocodiles in the province.
Here, the captured Balabac crocodile will be evaluated to determine if it can be integrated into the center’s conservation programs.
For any wildlife-related threats or sightings, the public is encouraged to contact the PCSDS Enforcement Team through their regional hotlines:
• Central: 0951-320-8791
• South: 0916-954-6919
• North: 0912-575-3527
• Calamian: 0907-660-5619
