A long-tailed macaque and two venomous snakes were safely rescued in Pilar, Bataan, evaluated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and successfully released back into suitable natural habitats. The macaque, locally known as unggoy, was surrendered by a concerned citizen to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in Pilar before being turned over to the DENR for proper assessment. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Pilar turned over a Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis) and a king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) to the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for evaluation.
Protected Species and Conservation Status
The rescued species are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, which prohibits the unauthorized collection, possession, transport, or trade of wildlife . According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the long-tailed macaque is classified as endangered, the Philippine cobra as near threatened, and the king cobra as vulnerable. The species are also listed under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 . DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo urged the public to avoid handling wildlife and to immediately report sightings to authorities, emphasizing the importance of conservation and community cooperation.
A Call for Community Involvement in Wildlife Protection
We ensured the animals were handled safely during rescue, transport, and release to reduce stress and protect both the wildlife and responders,” said Santos. The successful rescue highlights the crucial role of community vigilance and prompt coordination with environmental authorities. The DENR continues to encourage residents to report wildlife sightings to the nearest DENR office, local government unit, or other authorities to ensure proper handling and safe return to natural habitats.
