Coast Guard seizes endangered python in Negros Oriental

A three-meter endangered python was "rescued" aboard a motor boat in Negros Oriental last weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard said Tuesday.

The Coast Guard said the python commonly known as "Magkal," was found inside a wooden box aboard the Banton Liner VII in La Libertad town.

Citing initial information, the Coast Guard said a pre-departure inspection team of the Coast Guard Libertad substation found the wooden box aboard the motor boat last Saturday, April 11.

Investigation showed the cargo was owned by one Elvie Del Puerto of Sitio Sambulawan, Barangay Inayawan, Negros Occidental.

The team requested del Puerto to open the box and found the three-meter long python. It confiscated the python after learning del Puerto had no pertinent documents for it.

After seizing the python, the team turned it over to Rhodel Lababit, Superintendent of Panay Animal Protected Peninsula (PAPP) for proper custody. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News