DENR urges public to respect wildlife amid PH deer sightings

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
March 24, 2026

(Photo courtesy: DENR Mimaropa/Facebook)

BOAC, Marinduque — Upon the recent reappearance of the Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) in certain parts of Marinduque, the MIMAROPA office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on locals not to disturb these animals’ presence.

According to the agency, the Philippine deer is an essential part of the ecosystem that helps maintain balance in forests. It is also considered a “vulnerable species” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and an endangered species under a DENR administrative order.

“Kilala rin ang mga ito bilang maamo at hindi agresibo, at nitong mga nakaraan ay mas madalas nang nakikita sa mga komunidad, maging sa mga kabahayan at malapit sa kalsada,” the agency said.

However, the agency urged the public not to approach, feed, chase, or hunt these wildlife, and reach out to local government officials and the DENR office itself should there be any sightings or illegal activities involving the wildlife.

“Gayunpaman, nananatili silang buhay ilang (wildlife) na dapat igalang at pangalagaan. Higit pa rito, ito ay isang ipinagmamalaking yaman ng Marinduque na sumasalamin sa ating mayamang biodiversity.”