Python that preyed on livestock in Buenavista, Marinduque rescued

A reticulated python that preyed on livestock in Buenavista, Marinduque, has been rescued by authorities.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report on "24 Oras" Wednesday, residents of Buenavista initially suspected theft after several pigs, goats, and other livestock had gone missing. 

On Saturday, however, the residents finally found the culprit in a hole: a reticulated python that measured almost nine-feet long. 

Provincial veterinarian Dr. JM Victoria and his team immediately conducted a rescue operation to contain the python. 

"Nung puntahan namin ay pinagkakaguluhan na ng mga tao. Medyo stressed na 'yung sawa. Meron kasing nagtangka na hulihin 'yung sawa eh hindi naman na tama 'yung kanilang handling," he said. 

According to Victoria, the python weighed almost 30 kilograms. 

"Napakalaki nung tiyan. Kumpirmado na ito ay nakakain ng isang baboy na nasa 25 kilos," he said. 

"Iyong sawa ay nasa pangangalaga ng Provincial Veterinary Office. Inilagay namin ito sa isang temporary cage. Nakatakda itong ibalik sa kanyang likas na pamayanan na malayo sa komunidad ng tao." 

Victoria also advised the public not to kill pythons should they encounter them and instead contact the proper authorities. 

"Pagka-nakakita sila ng ganitong uri ng hayop, huwag nila itong papatayin. May mahalaga itong ginagampanan sa ating ecosystem. I-report nila kaagad ito sa [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] para sa proper handling." 

Per Kuya Kim, reticulated pythons are commonly seen in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They often live in forests, rivers, and sometimes near communities. Reticulated pythons are not venomous and kill their prey through constriction. They are also known for eating large prey due to the stretchy tissue between their cranium and lower jaw. 

"Pati 'yung panga nila sa ibaba ay hindi sila connected, so kaya pa nilang buksan nang mas malawak ito," explained Kyle Tamayo, a herpetologist. 

"Nakakatulong na rin 'yung kanilang elastic skin. Kaya nilang mag-expand nang mas malaki pa sa katawan nila. Minsan five times the size."

—CDC, GMA News