A rescued Philippine hawk-eagle (𝘕𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘪) was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XIII by Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC) on May 14, 2021, at PMC Office in Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

The Philippine hawk-eagle, categorized as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or the “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories”, was rescued by a concerned citizen from Sitio Maghilot, Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur.  He handed over the juvenile male raptor to the head security of PMC on May 13, 2021. After the head of security reported the incident to PMC President Atty. Raul C. Villanueva, the latter, immediately called DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo for the turn-over of the bird since it is unlawful to possess any wildlife without a permit.

The DENR XIII team headed by RED Tamayo and Bunawan Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Jerome H. Albia visited the PMC office the next day, May 14, 2021, for the turn-over of the raptor.

At first, they believed that it was a Philippine eagle.  After confirming with the DENR technical personnel who made the species identification, it turned out that the bird is a Philippine hawk-eagle or locally called “lawin.”

Upon initial assessment and observation by the Butuan City Veterinarian, Dr. Edgardo D. Talle, the bird has no signs of injury and is considered to be in good condition.

Further, Dr. Talle advised that the raptor needs acclimatization since it is tamed or “imprinted” based on its behavior.

After the veterinary check-up, the DENR technical staff safely delivered the bird of prey to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, for further observation, health assessment, and “acclimatization”, before it will be released back to the wild.  These are part of the procedure to give the raptor a greater chance of survival after the release.

RED Tamayo expressed his gratitude to PMC President Atty. Villanueva for saving the raptor and turning it over to DENR Caraga.

The DENR team also advised the PMC management to directly contact the CENRO of Bunawan in Agusan del Sur if there will be similar cases of rescue or turn-over of wildlife within the company’s vicinity in the future, considering that the area is within the jurisdiction of the CENRO.

The protection of wild animals such as the hawk-eagles is essential for preserving biodiversity and a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Enhanced biodiversity conservation is among the top ten priority programs of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.##

#TayoAngKalikasan