SAN MARIANO, Isabela – Although it admitted the danger posed by the crocodiles because their sanctuary is without any fence, the Mabuwaya Foundation are still urging the people not to harm the reptiles should they chance upon them.
Mabuwaya Foundation Chief Operating Officer Marites Gatan-Balbas said the municipal government of San Mariano, as well as communities located near crocodile breeding grounds, protect the reptiles in the conserved areas.
But she also acknowledged that these sanctuaries did not have fences, the reason why crocodiles sometimes come out in the open.
It was reported that on Tuesday night four fishermen chanced upon two crocodiles in the river in barangay Dicamay Uno, Jones Isabela. The reptiles were believed to have come from the waters of San Mariano, Isabela.
Four of the fishermen ran away to avoid a crocodile attack, but later the fisherman tried electrocuting the crocodile and got one.
“Kinuryente ang isang buwaya upang mahuli habang ang isa ay hindi nila nahuli,” a resident told.
Meanwhile, Balbas said he has to check the condition of the crocodile.
“Hindi dapat hinuhuli ang crocodile, pero naiintindihan din natin ang takot ng mga tao,” (‘Crocodiles should not be caught, but we understand the people’s fear’), Balbas said.
She also mentioned that the townsfolk of San Mariano are used to the presence of crocodiles, and that they respect them. Balbas pointed out that this is something very different from those living in downstream areas who think Philippine crocodiles are dangerous.
She reminded the public that killing crocodiles is illegal because the reptile is protected under the Wildlife Act. Balbas stressed that the Philippine crocodile is among the rarest crocodile species in the world.