A crocodile was found dead with a suspected gunshot wound and entangled in a rope tied to a boat in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi morning on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The dead crocodile was found by a fisherman while he was checking the boat in Barangay Luuk Buntal.

“Parang matagal na rin siyang patay kasi yung skin niya, parang naalis na,” Barangay Luuk Buntal Chairman Bing Jahama said.

The crocodile measuring around 10.5 feet long sustained a wound on its head, which is believed to be a gunshot injury.

Authorities suspect that the crocodile may have been shot somewhere and later drifted to the area.

“Parang binaril, ganyan. Ang tantya ko lang, parang pinatay sa ibang lugar, so naanod siya dito,” Jahama added.

Barangay officials and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) are coordinating the proper disposal and burial of the crocodile.

Investigation into its death is ongoing.

This was reportedly the first time a crocodile has been spotted in the area, which is considered open sea and not a natural habitat for crocodiles, unlike mainland areas of the town where crocodile attack incidents have been reported previously.