CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Local authorities in El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental province continue to issue warnings and advisories to residents to minimize activities near beaches in the because of the reported “sighting” of a saltwater crocodile in the vicinity.
Noli Adrian Gabule, El Salvador City Agriculture Office head said they are investigating the report to confirm the presence of a crocodile in Barangay Sinaloc.
Bantay Dagat (Ocean Watch) personnel of the LGU who are tasked to conduct seaborne patrols in the area said they have yet to see the crocodile.
“We focus on precautionary measures. We already informed our coastal barangays and we will continue our seaborne patrol, but we cannot confirm yet the alleged crocodile sighting. Those might just be allegations,” Gabule said. He advised the public not to panic and just follow precautionary measures.
Teodulfo Bombeo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, for his part, said the crocodile was allegely seen by two residents in the coastal area of Purok 1.
He said a certain Ernesto Ragmac, 44, resident of the said place saw the crocodile morning of June 9. Another resident, 28-year old Kajushua Gando, reportedly the crocodile the next day.
Bombeo said the El Salvador City government advises local folks “to avoid activities in the sea waters to avoid accidents.”