This Barangay in Tawi-Tawi is slowly being invaded by crocodiles

Residents of Barangay Pagasinan in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi have been alarmed by the appearance of crocodiles near their homes.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the crocodiles used to live in the mangrove areas, but these animals have encroached into residential areas and roads.

One resident, Ferwina, said the number of crocodiles multiplied amid the pandemic.

“Marami silang kinakain tulad ng mga alaga naming pusa at aso,” she said.

(“They eat our pet cats and dogs.")

Another resident, Norman, said a crocodile ate his chicken. With the crocodiles’ presence in the community, people have become afraid to go out of their homes and this has affected their livelihood.

“Hindi na ako masyadong makahanapbuhay kasi natatakot na ako para sa pamilya ko,” added Norman.

(“I can’t work as much as I used to because I fear for my family’s safety.”)

One resident, Abdukahil, even had an encounter with a crocodile himself.

“Alas kuwatro ng umaga, magdadala kami ng asawa ko ng agar-agar sa Bongao. Pagpunta ko sa kusina para doon sana maligo, kinagat ako ng buwaya,” he said. “Hindi na ako makasigaw. Nakagat, nangatngat, masakit.”

(“At 4 in the morning, my wife and I were supposed to bring agar-agar to Bongao. When I went to the kitchen to take a bath, a crocodile attacked me. I couldn’t shout. I was bitten, chewed, and it hurt.”)

Abdukahil managed to hold on to a piece of wood, so the crocodile was not able to take him. He was eventually taken to the hospital for treatment, but a scar was left in his leg and he now walks with a limp.

With the danger posed by both the crocodiles and humans towards each other, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of Tawi-Tawi took action.

Within a few meters of the residential houses, the team saw a huge crocodile that was almost two meters long!

“Malaki talaga ang tiyan. Either may nakain siyang malaki or buntis siya. Ibig sabihin, delikado tayo rito.”

(“Either the crocodile ate something huge or it’s pregnant. Either way, it is very dangerous for us to be here.")

As the day went on, another crocodile was spotted in the area!

Acknowledging the threats posed by the animals to the community, the local government in the area said that they’d take action by putting up signages.

“Ang aksyon na puwede nating gawin, lagyan ng signages. I-educate natin ‘yung mga nakatira mismo rito.”

(“What we can do is put up signages and warnings so everyone is informed that crocodiles inhabit the place.”)

Meanwhile Rainier Manalo, Program Director of conservation outfit Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI), said that it was only natural for crocodiles to be present in the area.

“Natural sa mga buwaya na lumangoy sa mga lugar na ‘yan kasi ‘yan ay parte ng kanilang buhay. Nagkakaroon lang tayo ng interaksyon doon sa mga buwaya na ‘yan dahil tayong mga tao ay napunta kung saan sila nakatira.”

(“It’s only natural for crocodiles to swim in that area, because that’s part of their life. We’d only interact with crocodiles if we went into their habitats.”)

“Maaari silang masaktan sa gawain ng tao. Ang crocodiles po sa wild ay hindi naman po basta-basta umaatake ng tao,” Manalo added.

(“Our actions can cause harm to animals. Crocodiles in the wild would not attack people for no reason.”)

—MGP, GMA News