The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) has urged residents in the coastal areas along the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) to stay vigilant following the sighting of a saltwater crocodile near the waters off Juanico Village Extension in Barangay Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

DENR-12 said a member of the Bantay Dagat spotted the crocodile, which measures around three to four meters in length, based on the drone footage.

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO)-Sarangani, it could be the same crocodile sighted recently in Minanga, Buayan, General Santos City.

PENRO is still determining whether the area is a natural habitat of the crocodile or if it was only there for breeding purposes.

“Identifying the crocodile's presence is important, given their highly territorial nature and potential threat to human safety,” PENR Officer, Shalimar Disomangcop, said.

Experts have already been tapped to determine the appropriate actions to be undertaken.

“We advise the public to stay vigilant and avoid encounters with the crocodile, particularly residents near the mangrove areas of Minanga, Buayan, General Santos City, and Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province,” SBPS Protected Area Superintendent, Cirilo Lagnason Jr., said.

“According to Wayman of Animal Diversity Web, saltwater crocodiles are known to be aggressive and large enough to perceive humans as prey. Encounters with these creatures are highly dangerous, with a low survival rate if attacked,” DENR-12 added.