Manila: Personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 13 (Caraga Region) have released a rescued Philippine hawk-eagle at the buffer zone of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. A resident of Barangay Magaud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur, Benjie Geral Dumogoy, rescued the raptor and turned it over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Loreto.
According to Philippines News Agency, CENRO personnel assessed the bird, weighing approximately 1.1 kg, and found it physically fit for immediate release in the designated area. The raptor is classified as vulnerable under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09.
In a statement on Thursday, the DENR-13 highlighted that the release of the Philippine hawk-eagle at the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary reinforced the ongoing efforts to protect the region's wildlife and forest ecosystem. Agency officials commended Dumogoy for turning over the hawk-eagle and CENRO-Loreto for its swift action.
The statement further emphasized the importance of community participation in the success of wildlife conservation initiatives. It acknowledged that such cooperation helps ensure the safety of threatened species while upholding national laws that protect wildlife.
The presence of the Philippine hawk-eagle is considered an important indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. The species thrives in the Agusan Marsh, a key wetland and ecological landscape in Mindanao.
The DENR-13 encourages the public to report sightings of injured, distressed, or illegally held wildlife to the nearest DENR office. This ensures proper handling, rehabilitation, and lawful release.
