Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora — A Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) rescued after being found weakened in a rice field in Barangay Suklayin has been successfully returned to its natural habitat following assessment and care by environmental authorities.

The raptor was officially released on Wednesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:48 a.m. inside the Aurora Memorial National Park by personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the supervision of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). Present during the release were Protected Area Supervisor (PASU) Maximino Millan and Assistant Protected Area Supervisor Jerome Francisco Sindac.

According to DENR personnel, the eagle was in good condition at the time of release and had fully recovered from the incident that led to its rescue days earlier.

The eagle was first discovered around noon on Saturday, February 7, by farmer Cesar Santiago, who noticed the bird diving toward a chicken in his rice field. Santiago said the eagle appeared to have struck its head against a tree during the swift dive, leaving it disoriented and weakened. Taking advantage of the situation, he was able to catch the bird by hand and secured it in a cage at his home.

Recognizing the importance of the wildlife find, Santiago immediately reported the incident to the Baler Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). MENRO Chief Maria Liza V. Costa promptly dispatched staff member Rabbi Jan Angara to respond, and the eagle was safely turned over to the DENR for proper assessment and care.

The DENR ensured that the raptor underwent veterinary examination on Monday, February 9, to determine its fitness for release. After confirming that the bird had regained its strength and showed no serious injury, authorities scheduled its return to the wild.

The Philippine Hawk-Eagle is an endemic bird of prey found only in the Philippines and is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and human disturbance.

Environmental officials emphasized that the proper turnover and handling of the eagle by local residents and authorities played a crucial role in its safe recovery.

DENR and PENRO officials reiterated the importance of public cooperation in protecting wildlife and promptly reporting similar incidents to ensure the preservation of the country’s biodiversity. (Jason de Asis)

📸 From rescue to release, this Philippine Hawk-Eagle now soars free again in Aurora Memorial National Park thanks to swift action by a concerned farmer and coordinated care by MENRO and DENR. A strong reminder that community vigilance plays a vital role in protecting our wildlife. (Jason de Asis)