DAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-12 has confirmed that a 7.5-foot male saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) rescued in Barangay Kawas, Alabel town, Sarangani province earlier this year was a migrant species from the Tawi-Tawi-Palawan cluster.

In a statement, the DENR-12 said that Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis results showed the male saltwater crocodile shares genetic ties with crocodile populations from Puerto Princesa, Quezon, Rizal, Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point, and Mangsee Island in Palawan, as well as South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

The crocodile named “Reden” was rescued by the Sarangani Provincial Wildlife Quick Response Team last Feb. 26.

It was named after Reden Tapican, a concerned citizen who sighted the crocodile trapped in the waterways near Lorenzo Aqua Farm.

According to DENR-12, the saltwater crocodile may have been driven into the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) due to abundant food sources and suitable coastal habitats.

“This finding emphasizes the ecological connectivity of saltwater crocodile populations across the country, consistent with earlier studies on Indo-Pacific dispersal patterns (Binaday et al., 2021). The genetic linkages illustrated by Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. highlight the Philippines’ role as a key range for,” the agency said.

The DENR added that the rescued crocodile remains under the care of a DENR-accredited rescue and breeding facility in this city.

It assured that the crocodile’s health and safety is closely monitored.

“Beyond the individual rescue, Reden’s DNA profile provides valuable insight into the broader conservation picture, that Sarangani Bay not only sustains resident species but also serves as a critical stopover and refuge for migratory wildlife,” the DENR-12 said.

The DENR-12 stressed the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources. “Sarangani Bay’s richness does not only support local communities but also provides sanctuary for migratory species like Reden.”

The agency urged people to report any wildlife sightings through hotlines 09096189917 or 09953050306.

In September 2024, people reported sightings of a crocodile on Sarangani Bay and the coastline of General Santos City.

Authorities could not confirm yet if the crocodile rescued was the same crocodile spotted in Sarangani Bay in September 2024.