Mayor urges probe on existence of crocs in Panay
ROXAS CITY – Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo has urged to investigate the existence of crocodile in his town after a fisherman captured one last week.
Bermejo said in a radio interview that he wondered why there is a presence of crocodile in his town since there was no reported existence of the said wildlife before.
Earlier, residents along rivers feared for their lives especially fisherfolks who are now hesitant to conduct fishing on the river after a six-feet crocodile was captured by fisherman Antonio Barrera at his fish pen in Brgy. Jamul-awon.
Pontevedra Mayor Steve Contreras said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) turned over the said crocodile to him since he has permit to have it and has animal farm in Pontevedra.
There are reports that there were two crocodiles that went missing from an unknown farm during typhoon Frank last June 21, 2008. Reportedly, one was captured while the other one is still roaming around along the Panay river which brings fear and alarm among fisherfolks.
Provincial Veterinarian Ronel Abordo, however, believes that private persons have custody of the said missing crocodile.
He also warned fisherfolks to be aware of the reported presence of crocodile that might harm human beings.