The presence of a crocodile 50 meters from the shoreline at past 1 p.m. on July 25, 2024 startled residents of Barangay Yapak in Boracay Island, Malay town, in the Province of Aklan.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and Coast Guard Substation-Boracay responded immediately.

The reptile was caught at around 4 p.m. with the use of a fish net.

It was learned that the animal is around four feet long and about a foot wide.

It was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

According to Coast Guard Substation-Boracay, the crocodile was spotted near a residential area that is "not part of the designated spot for tourists."

This is the first time that a crocodile was seen in the area, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

As of posting time, the authorities have no idea yet where the animal could have come from.

The PCG and the MDRRMO conducted roving operations, and urged residents to report immediately any other crocodile spotting.