MANILA, Philippines (February 10, 2013)--The world's largest saltwater crocodile in captivity has died in the Philippines, reducing villagers to tears in a backwater town that shot to prominence because of the immense reptile.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde of Bunawan town in southern Agusan del Sur province said a veterinarian rushed to check the 1-ton crocodile after it flipped over with a bloated stomach Sunday in its cage in an eco-tourism park, but the huge reptile was declared dead a few hours later.

Guinness World Records proclaimed the giant, blamed for deadly attacks before it was captured in 2011, the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity last year, saying it measured 20.24 feet.

Elorde plans to have the crocodile preserved so villagers can still see the reptile that put their little-known town on the map.