A 31-year-old fisherman was killed after a crocodile attacked him while harvesting sea cucumbers in Sitio Tawa, Barangay Agutayan, Balabac, Palawan on Tuesday night, December 9. The victim, known as “Dandan,” was reportedly underwater with friends when the crocodile struck, biting him in the head before releasing him. Witnesses described the animal as large, and authorities continue to investigate.
Family members said the fatal injury was a deep bite to the chest, believed to have affected the victim’s heart. His mother, Hulma Moraco, called on the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSDS) to remove the crocodile from the area, expressing concern for the safety and livelihood of local fishermen.
The PCSDS offered condolences and confirmed plans to conduct a study on the crocodile population in Palawan to better understand risks to coastal communities.
The Moraco family is also seeking financial assistance, as Dandan leaves behind an eight-year-old child and no other source of income.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by fishing communities in southern Palawan, particularly those who rely on sea cucumber harvesting. Authorities have not reported any progress in efforts to capture the crocodile responsible.
This attack underscores ongoing concerns for both public safety and the economic well-being of coastal residents in Balabac and surrounding areas. The family’s call for action has drawn attention to the need for protective measures against large predators in local waters.
