MANILA, Philippines—A fisherman was killed after he was attacked by around 15-foot crocodile in Palawan shortly before midnight Thursday.
Coast Guard Palawan commander Commodore Enrico Evangelista identified the victim as Rommel Siplan, 30, of Sitio Taratak, Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.
The crocodile reportedly attacked Siplan while he was submerged into the water to gather sea cucumber in Sitio Marabajay in Barangay Rio Tuba.
Initial investigation showed that the incident happened around 11 p.m.
Evangelista said the victim’s body had been tied to the banca as he dived into the water to gather sea cucumber.
The crocodile reportedly dragged the victim by the stomach. The crocodile released the victim’s body and moved away when authorities arrived and fired shots.
Evangelista said they were not sure whether the crocodile sustained injuries as their intention was only to scare the animal and release the victim’s body.
He added that the area was known among residents in the area as a habitat of crocodiles.
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