MAASIM, Sarangani (September 21, 2022) – A critically-endangered Philippine eagle was found dead along the shoreline of Purok Maguid in Barangay Daliao on September 19.
According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the female eagle is around three to four years old.
In a report from Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Alejandra Sison, it was found lifeless by a resident at the high tide line of the said purok at around 9:30 AM.
"The residents took a photo of it and posted it on social media, which caught our attention because, based on the physical structure of the subject, it has the same feature as our Philippine eagle," Sison said.
The MENRO then immediately responded to the site, and upon checking the carcass of the eagle, Sison said, "walang sugat or kahit anong tama ng bullet sa katawan nito, but one thing that we have observed is may lumalabas na tubig sa bibig niya."
With the help of the Community ENRO headed by Maria Tubera and Maasim Police Station headed by PMaj. Herman Luna in accordance with the recommendation of Veterinarian Roy Mejorada, the Maasim MENRO covered the eagle with paper, put it in a plastic bag, and placed it in the freezer to avoid its immediate decomposition.
The authorities called on the PEF to hand over the eagle and conduct the due process of the investigation of its death.
On September 20, the eagle was handed over to PEF, represented by Senior Biologist Rowel Taraya.
The eagle will undergo necropsy and will be temporarily under the custody of the PEF. Further information on the cause of its death will be released in the coming days.
Vice Mayor Visitacion Nambatac, who was present during the handing over of the eagle, said that the presence of the Philippine eagle in Maasim implicates that "the town still has a good ecosystem."
However, she said, "disturbed na atong forest because of illegal logging activities and climate change, maglisod na ning atong eagles og pangitag pagkaon sa kabukiran that is why nidiretso silag dagat to look for food."
Nambatac urged the locals to be concerned about the animals living in the wilds of Maasim. "Ihunong na nato ang pagpamutol sa atong mga kakahuyan para di madaot ang atong kinaiyahan."
Maasim continues its reforestation efforts initiated by Mayor Zyrex Pacquiao in pursuit of rehabilitating the town’s forests.
In the 1980s and in 2019, Maasim Princess and Maasim Pride, respectively, were also rescued in the town. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
?Jake T. Narte