A fisherman collecting sea cucumbers (balatan) along the coast of Barangay Catagupan, Balabac is the latest victim of recurrent crocodile attacks in the municipality.
Balabac disaster risk reduction officer Mitra Tanjilani reported Thursday morning that a man was injured in the eye when he fought off a crocodile in Sitio Silom-Silom.
Tanjilani said the fisherman, identified as Janilo Amalong, 25, was hit by the tail of a saltwater crocodile whom he fought off after lunging at him.
“Natamaan sa mata ang isa nating mangingisda dito pero hindi naman masyadong malubha ang kalagayan. Na-encounter niya ang buwaya habang namamalat (collecting sea cucumber),” said Tanjilani.
He said that other fishermen responded to Amalong who called for help. He was initially brought to Barangay Buliluyan for first aid treatment and will be transferred to a hospital in Rio Tuba or Brooke’s Point.
“Nasa Buliluyan na ang biktima natin at dadalhin yon sa malapit na pagamutan sa Riotuba o sa Brooke’s Point,” Tanjilani said.
Since May last year, at least nine cases of crocodile attacks had been recorded in the Southern Palawan towns of Balabac, Bataraza, and Rizal, including three deaths.
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