ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines โ What was supposed to be a terrifying encounter with a captive crocodile in Siay town may ironically revive dwindling interest in the areaโs ecotourism.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Zamboanga Peninsula has ordered the temporary closure of the crocodile enclosure in Barangay Laih after the reptile, known locally as โAlai,โ bit a man who reportedly intruded into its pen on Monday, April 28.
The man, described by witnesses as mentally unstable, was rescued by concerned citizens and is now receiving treatment in a hospital. Fortunately, he survived the incident.
In a statement, the DENR said immediate safety measures were implemented following the attack. These include a second perimeter fence, improved danger signage, restricted access to the enclosure, and 24/7 monitoring by personnel. A tarpaulin has also been placed around the cage to prevent further disturbances.
โAlai was safely secured in a controlled section of the enclosure to eliminate further risk,โ DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said.
Crocodile and Tourism
Alai, a male saltwater crocodile measuring about 10 to 12 feet long, has been under captivity since it was a hatchling, according to the DENR. The reptile is registered under Certificate of Wildlife Registration No. 9-120-ZS. It was originally housed in Barangay Balucanan but was moved to a bigger facility at Laih Wharf in 2022 to accommodate its growth.
Laih Wharf lies just a few kilometers from the Sibuguey River delta, an estuarine area where crocodile sightings are fairly common. Locals and fishermen have long reported the presence of saltwater crocodiles in the vast mangrove-lined waters, which serve as a natural habitat for the species.
The crocodile’s first owner, according to Jessie Lopez, the site caretaker and a local government employee, captured it when it was no bigger than a human thumb.
It stayed with the owner for 28 years until the local government took over.
Before the incident, the crocodile enclosure attracted around 200 visitors a day. But in recent years, the number of tourists to the site โ and to Siay in general โ has been on the decline, local tourism records show.
That may now change.
โPeople as far as Cagayan de Oro are coming here just to see the place,โ Lopez said. โThe incident may have shocked us, but itโs drawing attention to an ecotourism spot many had forgotten.โ
Ecotourism and Safety
The crocodile exhibit is part of a broader ecotourism project that includes Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands, a tranquil haven of biodiversity just off the coast of Siay. Known for its lush mangroves and diverse birdlife, Kabug Island offers birdwatching, photography, and guided nature tours that highlight the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems.
Visitors to the park are often greeted by the gentle rustle of mangrove leaves and the occasional calls of endemic birds, making it a prime location for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Siay Mayor Jarvis Acosta, in a previous interview, said Kabug Island is a model of how tourism development can coexist with environmental protection.
โOur approach in Kabug Island is to showcase how to develop local tourism without destroying the environment,โ Acosta said. โItโs about preserving what we have while allowing people to experience its beauty.โ
Despite its natural charm, Kabug Mangrove Park has also seen a drop in tourist numbers in recent years. Lopez believes the crocodile incident, while unfortunate, might be the catalyst needed to reignite interest in the townโs ecotourism potential.
With the DENR working on additional safety protocols, local officials hope that both awareness and responsible tourism will grow.
โWe just need to make sure people are safe while reminding them of the ecological treasures we have here in Siay,โ Lopez added.
