Macaca fascicularis philippensis is a subspecies of the crab-eating macaque. The Philippine long-tailed macaque is endemic in the country's forests and woodland, it can grow from 35 inches to 47 inches. It is commonly known as matching or matsing and the most popular term, unggoy, which literally means "monkey". Matsing are widely used in Philippine literature. Most notable is a fable that includes "pagong" or turtle called "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing", it was created and popularized by the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal back in 1885. Yet despite the cultural impact in literature and popularity of the Matsing, the long-tailed macaque is generally considered and assessed by the Internatational Union of Conservation of Nature in 2008 as Near Threatened, it is now under serious threat or already extinct in the majority of its original home. In fact, in 2017, according to PCSD Resolution No. 15-521, pursuant to Republic Act 9147, the Philippine long-tailed macaque is now considered an Endangered Species by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.
The matsing as commonly called in the country, are victims of human abusive behaviors and continuous land development, which drives the matsing out of their original home range. For instance, in Olongapo, Zambales, where a small forest remains that serves as the monkeys refuge, they are often road killed, accidentally electrocuted by live wires, and sometimes stoned. As they are considered an endangered species, Philippine long-tailed Macaque sightings are considered uncommon and rare. In November 2022, a group of trekkers sighted an alpha male Philippine long-tailed macaque in its natural habitat in Mount Apo. The post by Sta. Cruz Tourism office of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur garnered 2.6k reactions and 1.5k shares in 1 week and was reported multiple times by mainstream media because of the rarity of sightings of the matsing. The appearance of the alpha male prompted DENR-Davao to remind trekkers to maintain a significant distance and refrain from touching, feeding, and hurting them. As well as avoidance of excessive noise to keep them undisturbed.
To properly ensure the recovery of the population of matsing and other threatened species, rules, and laws on wildlife conservation should be properly implemented and proper guidance on encounters with the wild population should be followed. This was assured by the DENR earlier, in March 2022, by ensuring that wildlife law enforcement, protection and management of wildlife habitat, and species and habitat conservation program are being implemented to recover and protect the threatened species. The DENR also launch programs and webinars that aim to educate the public on the importance of the conservation and protection of species and habitats. The Philippines also has a law that protects the wildlife through Republic Act. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the illegal trading, hunting, collecting, or possessing of any wildlife.