One croc still missing, reward up for its capture
ROXAS CITY – An Iranian national who surfaced and claimed that he is the owner of the crocodile found by a fisherman last May 29 in Panay town, has offered a cash reward amounting P10,000 for those who can capture the other crocodile that went missing because of typhoon Frank almost a year ago.
Mr. Mahmoud Moein, businessman and owner of Unique Tiles in Sigma, Capiz, claimed that he is the owner of the crocodile captured in Jamul-awon, Panay, Capiz recently.
According to him, he has three crocodiles and the two went missing during the typhoon so only one remains in his farm.
Moein said that he tried to look for the missing crocodiles along the rivers and creeks but his efforts proved futile.
The Iranian national, whose farm is located at Pob. Sur, Sigma, said that he bought the three crocodiles four years ago from Malaysia. He added that the crocodile is of a giant type since its length can go up to a maximum of 20 feet.
Moein said that he tried to secure a permit from Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR), but he failed because he went back to his place during that time.
Earlier, Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo urged to investigate the existence of crocodile in his town after one of which was captured by a fisherfolk.
Bermejo said in a radio interview that he wondered why there is a presence of crocodile in his town since he never heard the existence of the said wildlife before.
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 fishpen in Brgy. Jamul-awon.
Punong Barangay Alfredo Beriana of Brgy. Jamul-awon proposed that his barangay be placed under the state of calamity considering that fisherfolks stopped their fishing activities due to fear of crocodile.
Fish and other marine products in Panay reportedly became scarce and its market prices went up.
Hunting of the said crocodile is still going on, while Moein appealed not to harm the said wildlife in the event it is captured.