Rescuing 'Pugal': DENR takes custody of cat spotted on Mt. Pulag
By Jel Santos
The cat known as “Pugal,” who gained attention after being spotted at the summit of Mt. Pulag, is now under the care of a staff member from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), the agency confirmed on Sunday, May 18.
“Pugal is now being taken care of by one of our Pulag Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) staff. A veterinarian is being sent to check on the cat,” the DENR said in a short post on its official Facebook page.
Pugal, a white cat with distinct orange markings, has unexpectedly become the subject of public attention after being spotted at the summit of Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon.
Photos and videos of the feline, calmly interacting with climbers amid the cold, foggy environment, quickly made rounds on social media.
Some netizens expressed concern over the animal’s welfare, prompting them to tag DENR and request action.
The DENR-CAR did not release specifics on how Pugal ended up on the mountain or how long the cat had been there.
Some animal welfare advocates and hikers welcomed the update, thanking the agency for its prompt action.
However, others expressed disappointment over the cat’s removal from the mountain, saying Pugal had become a familiar presence for frequent climbers.