The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) said it will not extract any crocodile in Balabac despite the recent attack that killed a 10-year-old seaweed farmer’s son in a river in Barangay Salang.
PCSD spokesperson Jovic Fabello said Thursday that the population of the crocodiles in Salang is “more than a few,” it would be difficult to determine the one to be entrapped and removed.
He added the incident also happened while they are in the breeding season.
“This time sa dami ng buwaya doon sa area, hindi na natin makita kung nasaan ‘yong buwaya. Pangalawa, nasa breeding season pa rin nangyari ang attack and walang ibang nakakakita na makakapagsabi kung saang lugar ba pumunta ‘yong buwaya. For now, wala tayong gagawing extraction kasi hindi na natin siya makita,” said Fabello.
He said the attack on the boy on August 11 was different from the case of male saltwater crocodile “Singko” that was “extracted” in December 2018 in the same municipality for attacking and killing a fisherman.
Fabello pointed out that Salang has tributaries where many crocodiles live and transfer from one river system to another that can make it difficult to identify the problem animal.
“Imposible talaga this time na makita pa. Mahirap naman kung huhulihin natin lahat ng buwaya doon at pasusukahin natin para malaman kung sino ang umatake,” said Fabello.
Fabello also said they were never neglectful in reminding residents to be vigilant when crossing rivers in Balabac that have known crocodile populations.
He said it was an unfortunate incident that no one wanted to happen.
“For now, parang ‘yong family is accepted naman nila na aksidente ‘yong nangyari. Actually, nailibing na nila ‘yong mga labi ng biktima noong Monday ng hapon,” said Fabello.
