PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan---The Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Incorporated (CPPI) has noted a decrease in the incidence of crocodile attacks in Palawan.
This was disclosed by CPPI Researcher and Education Officer Meljory Corvera, who said that the number of crocodile attacks has gone down in the southern towns of Palawan, incuding Balabac, and none has been fatal.
"Last year (2020) mayroon tayong six non-fatal attacks, which is pinakamababa sa record natin. Nong 2019 kasi ang mayron tayong 12 attacks (Last year, we had six non-fatal attacks, which is the lowest in our records. In 2019, there were 12 attacks)," Corvera said.
Based on their observation, the decrease of attacks was due to the continued conduct of the information dissemination in the area.
She said that the campaign was being conducted by CPPI, in partnership with Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRRC).
"Tingin namin ay effective ang ginagawa natin na information and education campaign sa lugar lalo na sa southern Palawan. Mayron din tayong mga signages doon regarding sa pagiingat sa mga crocodiles," she said.
(We think the information and education campaign has been effective, especially in southern Palawan. We also have signages there regarding the proper way to handle crocodiles)
Corvera added that they were also waiting for the adoption by the Sangguniang Bayan of Balabac of a management plan for the protection of the residents and the crocodiles.
The management plan includes the legal aspect of caring for wild animals, as well as handling them for threats, and conservation strategy for the crocodile.
"Sana ma-adopt ng Sanggunian kasi dito nakalagay ang short and long term solutions . Mas magiging maganda kung i-adopt nila, hopefully," she said.
(We have the Sanggunian adopts the plan because short and long-term solutions are included in it to prevent crocodile attacks. It would be better if they adopt it)
According to their study, southern Palawan has a total population of 346 crocodiles.