A Facebook post from a concerned citizen led to the successful rescue of a critically endangered Palawan pangolin (Manis culionensis) in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City.
The post, which included a photo of the pangolin, enabled authorities to quickly identify the animal’s location and coordinate an immediate response.
In response to the report, personnel from the Peace and Security Cluster of the Provincial Government of Palawan conducted a recovery operation at Magura Compound in Kuyba Almoneca, Barangay San Jose. The team discovered the pangolin alive inside a cage placed within an abandoned vehicle.
According to initial information, local residents had temporarily secured the animal to prevent it from escaping or sustaining harm while waiting for the proper authorities to arrive.
Following the rescue, the pangolin was turned over to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) office in Barangay Irawan for assessment, monitoring, and safekeeping. After it was determined that the animal was in stable condition, it was released back into a suitable and secure natural habitat.
Officials said the incident highlights both the continuing threats faced by Palawan’s endemic wildlife and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. They also stressed that timely reporting of wildlife sightings plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species.
The Palawan pangolin (Manis culionensis) is classified as a critically endangered species and is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, as well as other relevant conservation regulations.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report wildlife-related incidents to the proper agencies to support ongoing conservation and protection efforts in the province.
