2 giant crocs caught in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines – Two giant crocodiles have been caught in a river in the Palawan town of Bataraza through the efforts of local residents and some fishermen, authorities said.

The captured crocodiles – a male and a female – were named “Valentino’’ and “Valentina,’’ respectively, according to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC).

The female crocodile measuring 11 feet was caught Monday night while the male crocodile measuring 16 feet was captured the following day.

The crocodiles were turned over to a crocodile farm in this city, authorities said.

The residents set up traps in the mangrove area following attacks by crocodiles there.

Last Tuesday, a boy was attacked and reportedly killed by one of the crocodiles. Animals such as pigs and chickens were also eaten by the crocodiles.

Bernardo Francisco, officer-in-charge of the PWRCC, said the mangrove area where the crocodiles were caught was already depleted due to tanbarking done by the residents.

The two crocodiles captured in Bataraza, Palawan are turned over to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa City Tuesday night. ERNIE PEÑAREDONDO

“The mangrove areas were already depleted and this is the habitat of the crocodiles. They only surfaced to look for a place where they can find food,’’ Francisco said. – With Jhelyn Andal-Rocha