Adult female pangolin rescued in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A pangolin, one of the critically endangered animals in the country, was recently rescued in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The female adult pangolin, which was found in an establishment’s gutter, was surrendered to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.

“‘Yung protocol po, kukunin po namin ‘yung mga morphometrics po ng pangolin. Magpapa-consult sa isang veterinarian kung ‘yung hayop po ba ay nasa wastong kalusugan at kung ito po ay fit for release,” project development officer II Eugene Venturillo said.

[The protocol involves obtaining morphometric data from the pangolin. We will consult with a veterinarian to determine if the animal is in good health and if it is fit for release.]

According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, the pangolin’s name comes from the Malay word penggulung, which means to circle or roll up.

Pangolins roll themselves into a ball as a defense mechanism to avoid predators.

“Tina-tuck-in po nila ‘yung kanilang mga appendages, mga paa, mga buntot para ‘yung mga predator is mahirapan po na makakuha ng grip,” Venturillo said.

[They tuck in their appendages, legs, and tails so that predators will have a hard time getting a grip.]

They are also called scaly anteaters because of their scales.

There are eight species of pangolin, four of which can be found in Africa, and four more can be found in Asia.

One of the species can be found in Culion, Palawan, which is called the manis culionensis.

Unfortunately, the Philippine pangolin and two of its species are already critically endangered, according to the IUCN.

According to a study, the Philippine pangolin, along with other pangolin species, is the most trafficked mammal among all mammal species in the world. Its meat is considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam, where the pangolin trade is rampant

Their scales are also used in traditional Chinese medicine in the belief that they can treat various diseases.

“Hanggang ngayon po is wala pa rin pong napapatunayan na may medicinal properties o value ‘yung pangolin scales,” Venturillo said.

“Nakaangkla po tayo sa Batas Republika Blg. 9147. Ang mga kaparusahan po na ipapataw, meron pong minimum po na taon ng pagkakakulong at mga penalties o maaari pong pareho depende po sa degree,” he added.

[Until now, there is still no evidence proving the medicinal properties or value of pangolin scales. We are anchored in Republic Act No. 9147. The penalties to be imposed include a minimum prison term and possible fines, both of which may vary depending on the degree of the offense.]

—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News