A rescued Palawan pangolin locally known as balintong (Manis culionensis) was formally turned over to authorities in Bataraza town on Sunday morning, June 21, for proper care and conservation management, police said.
Personnel of the 3rd Platoon, 1st Palawan Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) received the endangered wildlife at around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Inogbong before endorsing it to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
The pangolin was turned over to Wildlife Enforcement Officer Friolan J. Olat of PCSD Southern Palawan for safekeeping and assessment.
“The wildlife was endorsed… for proper custody, care, and conservation management,” the 1st Palawan PMFC said in a statement.
Police said the turnover was made possible after a resident voluntarily surrendered the animal, a move they credited as an act of environmental responsibility.
“Her act reflects a strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of Palawan’s natural heritage,” the unit said.
The balintong, an endemic species found only in Palawan, is considered one of the world’s most threatened mammals due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
Authorities reminded the public to immediately report and surrender protected wildlife to proper agencies, stressing that coordinated action is crucial in safeguarding endangered species and biodiversity in the province.
