A reticulated python and an octogenarian green sea turtle that were rescued in Kidapawan City and Sarangani, respectively, were released back to their natural habitat.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Cotabato has released the male reticulated python back into the wild while the elderly female green sea turtle was released in Sarangani Bay.

A resident of Barangay Balindog, Kidapawan City spotted the reticulated python in the grass while he was cleaning his backyard.

PENRO’s Wildlife Rescue Operation Team retrieved and assessed the python after the resident called for assistance.

“Under the examination of Dr. Lowen Jay T. Cabañog at Therpy’s Veterinary Clinic, it was determined that the python was in the pre-shedding phase. Despite exhibiting characteristics such as decreased appetite and reduced visibility, the python showed no signs of injury, broken bones, or parasites, affirming its fitness for release back into its natural habitat,” DENR-12 said.

“Weighing approximately 1.00 kilograms and measuring 5.9 feet in length, this particular Reticulated Python belongs to a species classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, despite its stable population, the species faces numerous threats, including persecution due to fear, hunting for various purposes, and habitat loss due to human encroachment,” it added.

Meanwhile, the sea turtle estimated to be in its 80s and weighing around 250 kilos with a carapace width of 90 centimeters and a length of 101 centimeters was tagged before it was freed by CENRO-Kiamba in collaboration with the barangay officials.

DENR-12 emphasized the importance of refraining from harming any sighted pawikan and urged the public to notify DENR immediately should they find one to safeguard marine wildlife.