Authorities on the trail for violent monkeys on the loose in Isabela City, Basilan

One of the long-tailed monkeys on the loose in Isabela City, Basilan. Photo courtesy of Isabela City DRRMO

ZAMBOANGA CITY –– Apart from the coronavirus, there is another threat that’s keeping people inside their homes in Isabela City in Basilan.

Local officials are searching for monkeys on the loose that have so far bitten at least six people.

Jamju Rivera, Isabela City’s disaster risk reduction and management officer, said most of those bitten by the monkeys are children.

They were on a rampage in the villages of Aguada and Riverside, said Rivera.

“We already caught two monkeys, all long-tailed macaques. They are not pets. They just appeared in populated areas and started attacking children,” Rivera noted.

Rivera added that two were already captured, sedated for three hours,  and brought to a forest park in Maligue village, about 12 kilometers from the city proper.

The first reported attack by the monkeys was on Saturday, Nov. 14. Three children were bitten.

The wounds were quite deep and big, says Rivera.

On Nov. 15, another three people, including a pregnant woman, were bitten.

So far, the villagers of Aguada, Menzi, and Riverside, counted around three monkeys involved in the attacks.

“We continue to monitor (the monkeys). It would be good for people to stay in their homes, especially the children,” Rivera appealed to residents.

He further urged those who have not reported being attacked by the monkeys to visit the Animal Bite Treatment Center at the city infirmary for anti-rabies shots.

ZB