Philippine long-tailed macaque escapes from mini zoo, attacks motorist in Cebu

A Philippine long-tailed macaque has escaped from Argao Nature Park in Cebu and attacked a motorist.

As seen on Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report Tuesday, the monkey bit a person named Judel, who had her wounds checked at Bogo Argao Memorial Hospital on Monday.

Hospital chief Dr. Eric Geyrozaga said Judel had to be “admitted because the wound is infected” and she also had to be given antibiotics. The local government will shoulder all medical expenses.

Meanwhile, Argao tourism officer John Harvey del Corro said the Philippine monkey was able to escape because its cage was damaged after Typhoon Odette.

“Hindi namin namalayan na damaged na iyong roof ng cage,” he said.

The monkey is now back at Argao Nature Park. Officials have also given assurance that the animals’ living areas have been “properly rehabilitated” to prevent a similar accident from happening.

“[The Philippine long-tailed macaque] will stay in the nature park for now because he has a caretaker here. We’re going to release him in the wild in a gradual manner,” said Kent Rizon, Argao municipal disaster risk reduction and management (MDRRM) officer.

For those who will encounter a Philippine long-tailed macaque in the wild, Kuya Kim advises them not to feed nor provoke the animal for safety reasons. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News