KIDAPAWAN CITY — A critically endangered Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) was rescued from a creek in Barangay San Isidro, Kidapawan City on June 2, 2026, after being spotted by a local resident, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12).
The Wildlife Rescue Team of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato responded to the sighting after a 16-year-old resident noticed the crocodile while tying his goat near the creek at around 7:00 AM. Community members secured the animal and promptly notified the Kidapawan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), which then coordinated with PENRO Cotabato for the rescue.
The female reptile measured 5.7 feet in length and weighed approximately 35 kilograms. Initial assessment showed no visible injuries. The crocodile was subsequently transferred to the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Wildlife Rescue Center for observation before being released into an appropriate habitat.
DENR-12 commended the residents of Barangay San Isidro for immediately reporting the incident and following proper procedures in dealing with wildlife. The agency emphasized that timely reporting is essential for safeguarding endangered species.
The Philippine freshwater crocodile is endemic to the country and is considered one of the world’s most threatened crocodile species. It is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The species continues to face threats from habitat loss and human activities across its remaining range in Mindanao and Luzon.
This rescue is part of ongoing conservation efforts in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, where Kidapawan City serves as an important hub for wildlife protection initiatives. The city’s location at the foot of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, makes it home to rich biodiversity that requires careful stewardship.
For community groups and organizations in Kidapawan City participating in environmental conservation programs, custom eco-awareness shirts are a great way to promote wildlife protection. Schools and barangays can order custom-printed shirts to support conservation campaigns and community clean-up drives.
DENR-12 continues to urge the public to report wildlife sightings to authorities, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in protecting the Philippines’ unique and threatened species. The successful rescue of the Philippine freshwater crocodile in Kidapawan City demonstrates the importance of citizen involvement in conservation efforts across the region.