ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Three reticulated pythons were rescued and turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) after residents reported the snakes found in separate private residences in Angeles City.

Personnel from the Angeles City Veterinary Office and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), along with barangay officials, responded to reports of the snakes in Barangays Tabun, Pulungbulo and Pulung Maragul.

Barangay officials secured the reptiles and voluntarily turned them over to city government offices for proper handling and assessment.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the city government coordinated with the DENR Conservation and Development Division for the assessment and proper disposition of the rescued wildlife.

“Following the wildlife assessment, the snakes were found to be healthy and unharmed and were immediately turned over to the nearest rescue center in Clark, Pampanga, where they will receive appropriate care, rehabilitation, and monitoring,” Pablo said.

Pablo commended the barangay officials and city government personnel for their prompt response, saying timely reporting and proper coordination are essential to ensure public safety and wildlife welfare.

The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. However, it remains protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The law provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats and regulates the possession, collection, transport and handling of wildlife.

Pablo urged the public to immediately report encounters with wild animals to local government officials or the nearest DENR office.

“Timely reports allow authorities to respond appropriately and help ensure the safety of both communities and wildlife,” he said.