By GMA News Published May 16, 2026 10:21am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in SOCCSKSARGEN has discovered what is believed to be the largest recorded concentration of fruit bats in the region during a site assessment in the forests of Banisilan, Cotabato.According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, authorities estimated the colony to have around 160,000 flying foxes or fruit bats living in the area.“Nasisiyahan sila na makita na sabay-sabay silang lumilipad at dumadaan dito sa amin,” Banisilan, Cotabato MENR officer Anton Calonge said.The assessment identified three bat species inhabiting the site: the endangered golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), the island flying fox, and the large flying fox.Despite the colony’s massive population, authorities clarified that the bats are not considered pests in nearby communities.“Hindi naman pumupunta doon sa mga kabahayan po na sentro po ng Malagap. 'Yung mga bats, malayo naman sa kabahayan, hindi naman nakakadistorbo. Tungkol naman sa mga pananim ng mga tao doon, hindi naman pinepeste kasi ‘yung mga bats, prutas lang kasi ‘yung kinakain nila,” Calonge said.The officials are now looking at ways to protect the bat colony while exploring its ecotourism potential.“Malaking potensyal talaga na maging tourist spots ito sa bayan ng Banisilan. Maglagay po tayo ng critical habitat, mga signage, at saka protektahan natin. Bawal po natin i-hunting and breeding po ‘yung mga bats natin kasi ito lang po ‘yung pinagmamalaki po ng bayan ng Banisilan, kasi endangered na talaga ito sila,” Calonge said.Wildlife biologist Jay Fidelino emphasized the important role bats play in maintaining ecological balance despite common fears surrounding them.“While understandable kung bakit medyo nakakatakot dahil sa itsura, it's very important to protect them. Lumilipad sila nang malalayong mga distances, which makes them very important foresters kapag bumabalik na sila. ‘Yung mga pinu-poop out nila, kasama doon minsan ay mga seeds nung mga prutas na kinakain nila. Nakakatulong 'yun na palaguin pa ‘yung mga gubat natin,” he said. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA News