Experts’ team confirms croc sightings in Surigao Sur

By ERWIN MASCARIÑAS
Correspondent .

BISLIG City – Experts on crocodile research and conservation has confirmed sightings of saltwater crocodiles in the town of Hinatuan and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.

Rainier Manalo, program head of crocodile research and conservation of the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc., led a team in checking reports about the crocodile sightings Bislig and Hinatuan.

Manalo said they have documented an approximately 10-foot long Crocodylus porosus or saltwater crocodile in the waters off the old pier of the Paper Industries Corp. of the Philippines (Picop) in Bislig.

He said they have also confirmed the presence of a smaller saltwater crocodile in Hinatuan.

“We have yet to confirm if there are others in the area especially along the river,” said Manalo.

Before Manalo’s group came, there had been reports that a saltwater crocodile has been seen in the waters of Bislig Bay, and that another was captured in Hinatuan town a week earlier.

“We came to verify this and conduct a survey of the population of the reptiles with personnel of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources,”  he said.

Manalo said Bislig and Hinatuan were among the areas not previously known to have saltwater crocodiles.

“All of a sudden, they all came out just recently,” he said.

But Lorelei Teresa Lim, tourism operations officer of Bislig, said sightings of crocodiles in the city have been a “common occurrence” in the 1960s.

“We are just quite amazed that they just, all of a sudden, showed up again after more than four decades,” said Lim.

Manalo theorized that habitat loss could explain why the crocodiles returned.

“In most cases, it might be result of human encroachment into crocodile habitats. We really have crocodiles in the wild especially here in Mindanao,” he said.

Manalo said the crocodiles were apparently searching for new areas, and new hunting grounds.

Bislig Mayor Librado Navarro said he has issued an order that the crocodiles should not be harmed.

“I know this is not a popular call because some people here think that the crocodiles should immediately be eliminated because they are seen as threats, but I believe in co-existence, and I’m sure we can find a way to live together with these creatures,” said Navarro.