By Kenneth Marcos 
Early one morning along Buayang Creek in Mandaluyong City, residents and estero rangers noticed something unusual on the muddy edge of the waterway. A large reticulated python lay still, its body barely moving, its mouth tightly wrapped with electrical tape. The sight raised alarm, not only for public safety but also for the welfare of the wildlife struggling to survive in the city.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–West confirmed that the python was successfully rescued through a coordinated operation with Estero Rangers assigned to the area. The animal, identified as a reticulated python or Malayopython reticulatus, was found weak and under severe stress along the creek.
According to the initial report from the Estero Rangers, the python showed clear signs of exhaustion. It was not responding to movement and appeared dehydrated. The electrical tape wrapped around its mouth likely prevented it from feeding or drinking for an extended period, contributing to its weakened condition.
Upon receiving the report, DENR MEO-West immediately deployed personnel to assess the situation and conduct a proper rescue. The Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit carried out an initial examination and confirmed that the python had no visible wounds or injuries. However, officials noted that the animal was suffering from extreme stress, likely caused by prolonged restraint, lack of food, and lack of water.
Urban areas such as Metro Manila are not natural habitats for large wildlife, yet snakes and other animals are sometimes forced into waterways and communities due to habitat loss, flooding, or human disturbance. Reticulated pythons, one of the longest snake species in the world, are native to the Philippines and play an important role in controlling rodent populations in natural ecosystems.
To ensure proper care, the rescued python was immediately turned over to the Wildlife Rescue Center of the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau. There, veterinarians and wildlife specialists provided first aid and necessary medical attention. The animal will remain under observation and rehabilitation until it is deemed fit for release into a suitable natural habitat.
DENR-NCR stressed that the incident highlights the importance of responsible public action when encountering wildlife in communities. Authorities reminded the public that harming, capturing, selling, or keeping wild animals is prohibited under Philippine wildlife laws. Improper handling can cause serious injury to both people and animals.
Instead, residents are urged to immediately report sightings of wildlife to the DENR, local environment offices, or trained responders. This ensures that animals are handled safely, humanely, and in accordance with the law.
The agency also emphasized that tying, trapping, or restraining wildlife can lead to severe stress, injury, or death. Such actions, even if done out of fear, can worsen the situation and violate existing regulations on wildlife protection.
As cities continue to expand, encounters between people and wildlife may become more frequent. DENR officials said awareness and cooperation are key to protecting both communities and the country’s remaining wildlife.
The successful rescue in Mandaluyong serves as a reminder that timely reporting and coordinated response can save lives—human and animal alike—and help preserve biodiversity even in highly urbanized areas.
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