The crocodile that attacked a 29-year-old man at a park in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay has been secured safely in a controlled section of the enclosure to avoid further risk, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Zamboanga (DENR-9).

This is among the actions taken by authorities after the incident.

The man was injured after he was bitten by the crocodile named “Alai,” a male saltwater crocodile, inside the animal’s enclosure on April 28, 2025.

Police said the man allegedly jumped into the cage after he mistook the crocodile for a toy.

His relatives said he is suffering from a mental illness, according to the police.

“Aware yung mga tao doon na talagang may buwaya nandoon sa loob ng cage and sabi naman ng mga kamag-anak na may problema nga po sa pag-iisip at napagkamalan nga po talaga niya na laruan yung nandoon sa cage kaya tumalon po siya sa loob,” Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) Spokesperson, Major Shellamie Chang, earlier said.

DENR-9 closed the facility temporarily. A “No Entry” and danger signages with a fence were also installed while a tarpaulin canvass was put up around the crocodile’s cage.

Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Kabasalan and officials of the barangay and town were deployed to monitor and guard the area to ensure public safety.

“To further assess the situation, the Provincial Wildlife Quick Response Team (PWQRT) was mobilized to conduct on-site verification. The team carried out interviews, inspected the enclosure, and conducted a preliminary wildlife behavior assessment,” DENR-9 said.

PWQRT recommended to the caretaker and town officials to install a second perimeter fence, enhance warning signages, restrict public access, and station personnel around the clock.

DENR-9 said “Alai,” identified under Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) No. 9-120-ZS, has been in captivity since it was a hatchling and it measures approximately 10 to 12 feet in length, according to a September 2022 assessment by the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI).

“It is part of the original stock registered to LGU Siay at Barangay Balucanan, Siay, before being transferred to a larger enclosure at Laih Wharf in 2022,” DENR-9 said.