Terror is gripping residents of haciendas in Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, following the reported existence of a man-sized creature, who recently attacked two residents and disemboweled animals in the area.

Elias Galvez and Salvador Aguilar reported to Mayor Alberto Nicor and the police that they were separately attacked by a "hairy creature with long nails", on Monday and Tuesday nights in Cabungbungan, Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana.

Aguilar who was able to escape from the creature, was treated at the La Castellana Emergency Clinic for scratches on different parts of his body, police said.

Galvez, on the other hand, who was also attacked by the creature, was rescued by his companions, Nicor told the Daily Star last night.

Residents described the creature to be about 5 feet and 4 inches tall, and looks like a monkey.

Sag-ang, Brgy. Capt. Rudy Torres has confirmed reports of the existence of such creature, called "amomongo (gorilla)" by residents.

Last month, the creature also allegedly victimized chickens and a goat, eating their intestines.

Torres said the creature usually strikes where there are no village guards or paramilitary elements around.

He called on Barangay residents to be vigilant, especially during night time.

Nicor said, "People have not been roaming around the Barangay at night since the attack against Galvez and Aguilar."

He went on to say, "Barangay residents should put out a bait to capture the creature".

Brgy. Sag-ang in La Castellana is located at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon , which has many caves in which the creature may be hiding.

The La Castellana police advised Barangay Sag-ang residents to immediately report to them if the creature is sighted.