ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) released a rescued juvenile male Philippine Palm Civet back to its natural habitat in Zamboanga del Norte province on Wednesday.

The DENR-9 said the personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Liloy led the release of the nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammal, locally known as “musang” or “milo,” in a forested area in Labason town.

Insp. Joel Sabijon, Labason municipal fire marshal, said the animal was found by firemen inside their quarters on the evening of April 19 and was immediately turned over to CENRO-Liloy for proper handling.

“The rescue shows effective coordination between first responders and environmental authorities in protecting wildlife,” the DENR-9 said in a statement.

The forest cat was placed at the wildlife holding facility for temporary care and released after CENRO personnel conducted a health assessment and confirmed that its condition was stable.

The DENR-9 said the release of the Civet is in compliance with the protocols under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

According to DENR-9, the Civet supports forest health by dispersing seeds, aiding regeneration, and helping control insect populations.

Habitat loss and human interactions affect the Civet population, even though it is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“Each rescue and release support ecosystem stability and local conservation efforts,” the DENR-9 said.

Meanwhile, the agency urged residents to report wildlife encounters to the nearest DENR field office for appropriate action, and reminded them that capturing, possessing, or trading wild animals is prohibited under the law.