𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 – A rescued adult male Philippine Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴) in Purok Libertad, Barangay Buhay, Makilala, Cotabato, was turned over on February 05, 2025, to DENR-12 Wildlife Rescue Center.

The monkey was reported to CENRO Matalam on the afternoon of February 4, by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Buhay through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of LGU Makilala after it exhibited aggressive behavior, allegedly following an altercation with a group of monkeys. Concerned about the safety of both the animal and the community, local officials sought DENR’s assistance in handling the situation in compliance with Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

A team from the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) of PENRO Cotabato, along with personnel from CENRO Matalam, immediately responded to the site. Despite the monkey’s aggressive state, the DENR team successfully and safely captured it. Given its stressed behavior and potential threat to human safety, authorities decided to transfer the primate to the DENR 12 Wildlife Rescue Center for further observation before considering its release back into the wild.

Dr. Neil Velasco, resident veterinarian of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center revealed that the macaque, weighing 9.5 kilograms, did not sustain any visible injuries but exhibited signs of stress and defensive behavior. Experts noted that adult monkeys, particularly males, can become aggressive when they feel threatened. The DENR 12 Wildlife Rescue Center will closely monitor its condition to ensure proper rehabilitation and determine the appropriate course of action for its eventual reintegration into its natural habitat.