BULACAN– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) rescued a juvenile Reticulated Python (𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴) after a concerned citizen reported seeing the snake in Barangay Virgen Delas Flores, Baliwag City, Bulacan.

Dennis Vergara, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Baliwag, reported that the concerned resident immediately contacted the CENRO Baliwag Wildlife Hotline after discovering the python preying on their pet lovebirds.

Acting on the report, the wildlife enforcement officers of CENRO Baliwag promptly responded to the area and safely captured the juvenile python.

Vergara said the rescue team conducted a thorough physical assessment and found the python to be healthy and free from injuries. After confirming that the animal was fit for release, the team transported and released it into the protected forests of Biak-na-Bato National Park, where it can continue to thrive in its natural habitat.

The Reticulated Python is the world’s longest snake species and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by naturally controlling populations of rodents and other small animals.

While the species is classified as Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List because of its wide distribution across Southeast Asia, it remains a protected wildlife species in the Philippines.

Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, the Reticulated Python is listed under the Other Wildlife Species (OWS) category and is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo reminded the public to avoid capturing, harming, or keeping wildlife and instead immediately report wildlife sightings or encounters to the nearest DENR office or other appropriate authorities.

“Prompt reporting allows trained personnel to safely rescue, assess, and return wild animals to their natural habitats while ensuring the safety of both the public and the wildlife,” Pablo said.

The DENR reiterated its call for communities to support wildlife conservation efforts by protecting the country’s native fauna and complying with existing environmental laws. (-30-)