Angeles City, Pampanga — A resident of Barangay Sapalibutad has voluntarily surrendered an endangered Philippine long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) to local officials this week. Corazon Antipolo handed over the animal on July 18, 2025, facilitating its safe transfer through a collaborative effort involving the Barangay Sapalibutad Council, headed by Barangay Chairwoman Cristina V. Pineda, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and the City Veterinary Office (CVO).

The local government confirmed receipt of the macaque in a statement issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3 on July 30, 2025. Subsequently, the city authorities transferred custody of the primate to DENR Region 3, which arranged for the animal to be transported to a wildlife rescue center in Clark, Pampanga. There, it will undergo comprehensive medical evaluation and rehabilitation.

The Philippine long-tailed macaque is designated as "endangered" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with significant population declines attributed to habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trafficking.

In light of this rescue, the DENR has reminded the public about the importance of reporting and surrendering any found or captured wild animals to proper agencies or local government units to ensure their welfare and legal protection.