The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) recently announced that Philippine eagle “Kalatungan” is now in safer condition after it was hurt by two airgun pellets and found weak at Barangay Nabaliwa, Municipality of Pangantucan, Bukidnon on February 24.
Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF director for operations, said the bird is also feeding very well and is being fully monitored by the center’s veterinarians.
“Hindi kami nagkaroon ng issue with respect to his diet and so we think he’s on his way to his full recovery. Our veterinarians removed the two airgun pellets already and then we’ll document the progress of our bird,” Ibañez said.
Ibañez said they’ve also been in touch with Xavier Science Foundation and the authorities from the Kalatungan Protected Area Management Office for the organization’s series of education campaigns, as they believed that Kalatungan’s parents were near the place where it was rescued.
“That territory is a newly documented territory, actually the 18th eagle territory that has been recorded so far in Bukidnon, where it is also considered to be the largest number with Philippine eagle pairs in the whole Philippines, and we are hoping to find the nest within the year,” he said.
After Ibañez wrote to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in terms of the persistent shooting incidents in Bukidnon, he shared that the DENR secretary had already responded together with a congratulatory and commendation letter for them.
“She expressed that she would further support the protection of the Philippine eagle. We think that this is a very important step towards addressing our request or clamor for more protection of the eagles, banning airguns, banning of jolen guns and enforcing the law,” he added.
Air guns can cause a broad range of traumatic lesions, including severe injuries to the head, neck, thoracic cavity, and abdomen in addition to superficial ones. ‘
According to Philippine authority, air guns are not legally controlled and are not classified as firearms, according to Republic Act 10591.
“It’s a very important foot in the door, and we’re committed to sustaining our relationship with the DENR,” he stressed.
Since 2019, “Kalatungan” is the third case of a Philippine eagle in which airguns in Bukidnon have been harmed.
Photo courtesy of the Philippine Eagle Foundation
