ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA - Local authorities successfully rescued three healthy reticulated pythons from private homes in Barangays Tabun, Pulung Bulo, and Pulung Maragul, safely transferring them to a wildlife rescue center in Clark . The swift operation, carried out by the Angeles City Veterinary Office, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and barangay officials, ensured the snakes were unharmed and healthy during the wildlife assessment. Reticulated pythons, known as the world's longest snakes reaching up to 10 meters, are non-venomous constrictors that play a vital role in controlling rodent populations in their natural habitats.
Prompt Response Ensures Public Safety and Wildlife Welfare
The rescue operation was prompted by reports from residents who spotted the snakes in their residences after heavy rainfall flushed them out from their hiding areas . Barangay officials promptly secured the reptiles and voluntarily turned them over to the city government offices for proper handling and assessment . DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the concerned barangay officials and Angeles City government personnel for their prompt and responsible response, noting that timely reporting and proper coordination are essential in ensuring both public safety and wildlife welfare .
Following the wildlife assessment, the snakes were found to be healthy and unharmed and were immediately transferred to the nearest rescue center in Clark, Pampanga, where they will receive appropriate care, rehabilitation, and monitoring . The Angeles City government coordinated with the DENR Conservation and Development Division for the proper assessment and disposition of the rescued wildlife.
Wildlife Protected Under Republic Act No. 9147
While the reticulated python is classified as a species of Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, it remains protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act . The law provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats, and regulates the possession, collection, transport, and handling of wildlife .
This rescue is part of broader efforts by the Angeles City government to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife while ensuring public safety. The city has been actively involved in other wildlife rescue operations, including a rescue of 25 endangered species in 2024 that included seven reticulated pythons, a Philippine pangolin, and three Philippine long-tailed macaques . Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of protected wildlife to local authorities or the nearest DENR office for proper handling and relocation, ensuring both community safety and the welfare of these essential creatures .
