An adult male Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis), locally known as a balintong, measuring 110 centimeters and weighing four kilograms, was rescued and successfully returned to its natural habitat on March 29 in Barangay Caramay.
The rescue was led by the Roxas local government, through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, in coordination with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff.
Wildlife Enforcement Officer Carmel Cardino, municipal president of the Community Defense Auxiliary Group, said he spotted the pangolin in the middle of a road.
“Upang iligtas sa nakaambang panganib na dala ng mga sasakyang dumaraan at mga aso sa pligid ay agad nya itong kinuha. Nakipag-ugnayan siya sa mga awtoridad tungkol sa insidenteng ito at agad namang inaksyunan ito ng mga kinauukulan,” MENRO Roxas said in a statement.
Upon arrival, rescuers checked the pangolin and confirmed it was healthy before releasing it back into the forest.
Authorities thanked residents who reported and turned over the pangolin.
“Sama-sama nating alagaan ang mga buhay-ilang at kanilang natural na tahanan tungo sa mas mayamang kinabukasan,” they said.
