An Asian palm civet, known commonly as a ‘musang,’ was rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Barangay Matnog, Basud, Camarines Norte. 

The animal had accidentally fallen into a pit near a residential area and was reported immediately to authorities.

”Sabi namin baka kayang kunin… so tsineck muna namin kung anong pwedeng gawin… wag [raw] basta-basta na hahawakan yung mga ganitong klaseng hayop,” Reygine Camille Eco, who reported the incident to DENR, said.

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the civet, estimated to be two to three years old, was in good health upon rescue. Officials said rescuing wildlife is a delicate process, ensuring the safety of both the animal and rescuers.

The public was reminded to report sightings of civets or other wild species to authorities, following laws regarding their capture or care.

The civet is planned to be released into the Bicol Natural Park in Barangay Tuaca, within the same municipality.

“Healthy siya and good po siya na i-release po siya sa kanyang natural habitat… kapag nakakapag-rescue nga po tayo, and yung mga nare-rescue po nating wildlife [ay] nire-release po natin siya ating dalawang protected areas,” Ralph Portades, Ecosystem Management Specialist II, said.