After 21-ft Agusan croc, DENR wants harmony between humans, reptile

Following the capture of “Lolong" the 21-foot crocodile, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said Friday government must now work on building a harmonious relationship between people and crocodiles in the Agusan Marsh. In a statement, Paje said government’s “conservation effort should not end with the capture of ‘Lolong,’" adding that he asked the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) to coordinate with the local government of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur not only on handling Lolong properly, but on how to monitor the remaining crocodile population in the area. “While [Lolong’s] capture comes as a big relief to the residents, some of whom may have experienced crocodile attacks in the past, we also have to take a look at the situation on how we could harmonize or promote the co-existence of the people and the crocodiles and other wildlife in the Agusan Marsh," he said. Several crocodile attacks along the marsh have been recorded, and some residents — like Dina Alferes — believe the notorious reptile is also responsible for their missing relatives. Alferes’ father, Daniel Austero, has not come home in nearly three months. “Nasa ilog siya, nawawala. Siyempre wala kaming ibang pangamba kundi kinain ng buwaya," Dina said in a report from GMA News’ “24 Oras."
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV. 'Lalang' the larger one Despite authorities having captured Lolong, residents remain apprehensive with the sighting of a larger crocodile believed to be the "Lolong's" mate — even after the PAWB told them that it is another male crocodile. “Nakita talaga namin ‘yung nguso [at] naikumpara namin kay "Lolong." Mas malaki ‘yung nakita namin," Bunawan Mayor Erwin Elorde told 24 Oras. “‘Pag nagsama ‘yung dalawang buwaya, lalaki at babae lang talaga ‘yung puwedeng magsama dahil kapag nag-abot ‘yung dalawang lalaki, mag-aaway," Elorde added. Once captured, residents will name the crocodile “Lalang." Some international experts have offered to help in the operation, but they still need to secure a permit from the PAWB. Residents refuse to relocate Because of the imminent danger posed by crocodiles, the local government of Bunawan said it had talked to the people about relocation, but many of them refused the offer. “Nasanay na po kami," resident Luciano Balladares told 24 Oras. “Dito po kami naghahanap-buhay." The government said it understands how difficult it is for the residents to decide, because most of the 10,000 residents are fisherfolk and the marsh is their primary source of income. To help the residents, government posted signs with safety guidelines along the marsh, and warned the people to steer clear of the marsh from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. — when crocodiles are said to be most active. “Mga ganiyang oras, huwag silang maglalapit sa ilog o tumawid sa pamamagitan ng bangka," said Billy Brit, a councilman of Barangay Nueva Era. “‘Yung matitigas po ang ulo, nasa kanila na po ‘yun kung may mangyari sa kanila. Nagbigay na po kami ng babala." — Rose-An Jessica M. Dioquino/VS, GMA News