Crocodile caught in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - A crocodile measuring 11 feet was caught at a river in Brooke’s Point in Palawan yesterday.

The crocodile was captured at past 6 a.m. near the Tagdidili River in Barangay Maasin, Brooke’s Point, acting Palawan police director Senior Superintendent David Martinez said.

Reports said Arthur Bautista was on his way to his rice field when he saw the crocodile trapped with a nylon rope.

Bautista immediately informed the authorities, prompting police station commander Inspector Michael Heredero to coordinate with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Authorities rescued the crocodile with the help of residents.

Domingo Bernas, chairman of Barangay Maasin, took custody of the crocodile prior to its turnover to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, which maintains a 34-hectare crocodile farm and nature park.

In September 2011, Lolong was captured in Agusan del Sur and briefly held the Guinness Record as the world’s longest crocodile in captivity at 6.17 meters (20.24 feet).              

Lolong died in captivity in February 2013.