Six croc attacks recorded in Palawan

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development has recorded six cases of crocodile attacks in Balabac, Palawan in the past year with four of the cases ending in death, according to a Tuesday report on “24 Oras” by Chino Gaston.

Known for being ambush predators, the saltwater crocodiles on the island dominate the same river whre residents use to wash their dishes or do their laundry.

Their latest victim was 12-year-old Hanalisa Habie, who was snapped up as she was crossing a makeshift bridge in Barangay Poblacion 6 along with her older brother.

“Bigla na lang siya nahulog. 'Di ko napansin na may buwaya pala sa paa niya na kumagat,” her brother Mark said.

Authorities were able to photograph the 14-foot long crocodile that attacked Habie.

The predator is scheduled to be captured and transferred to a crocodile farm in Puerto Princesa next week.

Crocodiles become a danger to humans once they have had a taste of human blood.

Baby crocodiles have also been seen wandering near the river at night in search of food.

Warning signs have been placed around the area of the attack to prevent similar incidents.

"Meron na siyang plano ngayon, kasi napagusapan na rin ng local government, between PCSD at DENR na magtatayo nga ng sanctuary,” Jonathan Montalba of PCSD-Balabac said.

Authorities are conducting community education and crocodile relocation in light of the attacks. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News