BALIWAG CITY, Bulacan — Two young vendors from this city helped return a juvenile Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) to the wild after voluntarily turning over the reptile to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The said snake was found near Living Angels Christian Academy in Barangay Sto. Cristo, in Baliwag while the two vendors were selling their goods.
The vendors sought assistance from the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Baliwag, enabling authorities to promptly rescue and assess the animal rather than harming or keeping the reptile.
CENRO Baliwag Head Dennis Vergara said the wildlife enforcement officers found the juvenile python to be healthy, active, and free from injuries following a physical assessment.
“The reptile measured 2.32 feet in length and weighed 132 grams. After the assessment, it was transported to Biak-na-Bato National Park, where it was safely released into its natural habitat,” Vergara said.
He also added, the reticulated python is a python species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest snake, and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and Burmese python.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the two vendors for their environmental awareness and responsible action, noting that community participation remains essential in protecting wildlife.
“This demonstrates how ordinary citizens can make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation. We commend these young vendors for choosing to protect the animal and coordinate with the DENR. Their action helped ensure the safety of both the community and the python,” Pablo said.
The DENR encouraged the public to immediately report sightings of wild animals to the nearest DENR office or local authorities instead of attempting to capture, keep, or harm them.
The DENR also reminded the public that the collection, hunting, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife without the necessary permits are prohibited under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. (UnliNews Online)
