A Philippine palm civet cat, known locally as “milo,” and a Philippine deer, were turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Banga, South Cotabato.

Residents of Sitio Pulang Lupa, Barangay Taconel, and Barangay Bacdulong, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato surrendered the animals initially to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)-Lake Sebu.

CENRO-Banga transported the two wildlife species to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Barangay Blingkong, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat for proper care and assessment.

Based on assessment, the two animals were found to be both male and in good condition. However, the civet cat had a minor injury in its left foot and was given medication.

The civet cat will be released back into the wild after a few days of rest and monitoring while the Philippine deer, which is believed to be domesticated, will stay at the rescue center for rehabilitation and observation.

The Philippine deer is classified as endangered under DENR Administrative Order 2019-9.

“Both wildlife species play an important role in the ecosystem, the Civet cats help propagate seeds and spew after eating fruits which helps grow a variety of plants and fruit trees, it is known that their dried feces turn into coffee kernels, while the PH Deer influence the pattern of ecological succession in an area where they live through their foraging behavior,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Soccsksargen (DENR-12) said.

DENR-12 said possession, killing and inflicting harm to endangered species are punishable by law under the Wildlife Resources and Conservation Act.

“The DENR-12 commended the concerned residents who voluntarily surrendered the wildlife species and looked forward to the others doing the same noble act in protecting and conserving our wildlife,” DENR-12 added.