By Kenneth Marcos 
A young monkey, once kept on a tight chain in a Caloocan home, is now safe under government care after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) responded to a public report from Barangay 179.
Acting on a phone call from a concerned resident, the Enforcement Unit of the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office–North (MEO-North) quickly rescued a long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) that had been illegally kept as a pet. Authorities said the animal was purchased in Norzagaray, Bulacan and brought to Caloocan without the required government permits.
The owner later learned that keeping or trading wildlife without authorization violates Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. Upon realizing this, the owner voluntarily surrendered the monkey to the authorities.
When rescued, the macaque was found with a heavy chain fastened tightly around its waist — a condition that could cause injury and distress. The DENR team immediately turned over the animal to the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), where it received proper medical attention, vitamins, and care. Veterinarians also safely removed the chain and assessed the animal’s overall health.
The long-tailed macaque is a common species in Philippine forests but is now increasingly seen in urban areas due to illegal capture and the pet trade. Experts warn that keeping wild animals in homes poses risks — both to humans, who may be exposed to diseases or attacks, and to the animals themselves, which often suffer from stress and poor living conditions.
The DENR–National Capital Region continues to strictly enforce the provisions of RA 9147, which prohibits the collection, possession, and trade of any wildlife species without proper permits. The agency once again urged the public to report any illegal wildlife activity and to avoid buying or keeping wild animals as pets.
“Wildlife belongs in the wild, not in captivity,” DENR officials reminded. “By protecting them, we protect our ecosystem and future generations.”
To report wildlife violations, citizens may contact the nearest DENR office or the Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) for assistance.
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