ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – Local government employees and barangay officials in Angeles City turned over a rescued Philippine long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), officials confirmed Tuesday, July 30.
The macaque was rescued by barangay officials in Sapalibutad and initially endorsed to the Angeles City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ACENRO). With assistance from the DENR’s Conservation and Development Division, the monkey was transferred to a wildlife rescue center in Clark for evaluation and rehabilitation.
Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the rescue and turnover highlight the importance of community coordination in wildlife conservation.
The Philippine long-tailed macaque is classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), citing habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade as primary threats to its population.
“This emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect this species,” Pablo said in a statement.
The DENR urged the public to report and turn over any rescued or captured wild animals to the agency or local authorities to ensure proper care and handling.
Pablo also reminded exotic pet owners to secure appropriate permits and registration certificates, as required under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The law prohibits the possession, transport, and trade of wildlife species without official authorization.