The rescued monkey inside the cage at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center for assessment and rehabilitation. (DENR-8)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here in the region has rescued a monkey that earlier invaded a family, in this city.
DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Tirso Parian, Jr. told reporters that a monkey, which invaded a family in one of the barangays in this city, and was held captive was rescued by their personnel.
Parian said that the monkey Philippine Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) should have been caught and held captive but rather been left in the wild.
“This should serve as a reminder that any wildlife deserves to be left alone in the wild because this is where they belong. Unless one has secured the necessary permits, having custody of any wildlife is a violation of R.A. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”, Parian said.
Parian explained that the monkey was rescued by personnel of the DENR-8 after it got away from its owner at Barangay 59-A, this city.
Thereafter, a family member reported to the barangay officials that the said monkey invaded their home and ransacked their refrigerator, prompting them, including their minor children, to lock themselves in a room in fear.
Parian said that the rescued monkey which was assessed to be a sub-adult is a subspecies of the crab-eating macaque that is commonly known as “matsing” or the more general term of unggoy. It was already very aggressive which may have been aggravated because of a wound on his belly that was punctured by the wire used to tie the monkey.
Parian reported that the monkey was then brought to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center at PENRO-Leyte for assessment and rehabilitation.
“Unfortunately, most rescued monkeys are no longer released back to the wild because they are normally not accepted by other monkey troops and are instead attacked and killed. Even if released, it will have to undergo extensive rehabilitation and preparation,” Parian said.
Parian warned that sections 27 and 28 of R.A. 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” prohibits the injuring, killing, collection and trading of wildlife. Any violation thereof is punishable with a fine of as low as P1,000 to as high as P5,000,000  and/or imprisonment of 1 month to as long as twelve years, depending on the classification and status of the wildlife.
(RESTITUTO A. CAYUBIT)