Female Philippine Crocodile Missing from Guipos Facility, DENR Launches Retrieval Effort
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region IX (DENR-IX) confirmed that a female Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), a critically endangered species, went missing from a privately managed wildlife facility in Barangay Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
The facility, owned by Junevell O. Lamiing, operates under a Wildlife Loan Agreement signed with the DENR on May 7, 2025. Authorities initially reported that two crocodiles—one male and one female—were unaccounted for after apparently exiting their enclosure.
According to DENR-IX, the missing status of the female crocodile was confirmed on Saturday, October 18. The male crocodile has since been recovered, while search and retrieval operations for the female continue.
“DENR-IX personnel are closely monitoring waterways and potential movement areas to ensure the safety of both the community and the wildlife,” the agency said in a statement.
Teams have been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance, implementing established safety and containment protocols. The department is coordinating with local authorities and the facility’s management for the animal’s immediate recovery.
The Philippine crocodile is one of the rarest crocodilian species in the world and is protected under national law due to its critically endangered status.
DENR urged residents, especially those living near rivers and other bodies of water, to stay alert and report any crocodile sightings or unusual wildlife activity.
“Community cooperation is vital to ensure both public safety and the successful retrieval of the animal,” the agency said.
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