An ecologist warns that the presence of the Finlayson’s squirrel—an invasive species classified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—is alarming, noting that its presence competes with native wildlife. This comes after the DENR warned the public following multiple sightings of the non-native squirrel species across Metro Manila, noting that its presence was “not promoted.” In an exclusive interview with _The Manila Times_ on April 23, 2026, Von Eric Tagarino of the University of the Philippines explained why