BUKIDNON– A local farmer rescued an injured Philippine Eagle in the highlands of Bukidnon, prompting a coordinated response by government agencies, conservation groups and volunteers that led to the bird’s transfer for treatment and rehabilitation.

The critically endangered eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) was found on July 3 along the Cabanbanagan-Sawaga River in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region X (DENR-10) said personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Valencia City received a report at about 1 p.m. from Merly O. Suday, general manager of the Inhandig Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative, that a local farmer had rescued the bird. A photograph sent to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) confirmed the bird was a Philippine Eagle and appeared weak, prompting an immediate retrieval operation.

The eagle was transported to Sitio Kubayan in Barangay Kibenton, Impasug-ong, where responders could safely access the area.

The rescue team included personnel from CENRO Valencia City, the Malaybalay City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay Dalwangan officials, the Bukidnon Provincial Zoo, Kitanglad Guard Volunteers, the Inhandig Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative and the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Despite heavy rain, the team reached Sitio Kubayan after nearly an hour of travel and found the eagle secured inside the rescuer’s residence. Volunteers cleared onlookers from the area to reduce stress on the bird while wildlife responders conducted an initial assessment.

Veterinarian Dr. Carmen Tangara and her team treated the eagle’s visible injuries before it was transported to the Bukidnon Provincial Zoo in Malaybalay City to meet the Philippine Eagle Foundation team.

The bird was rescued by Marven Linoy of Sitio Kubayan, Barangay Kibenton. Linoy said he and two relatives were tending their flower farm when they heard loud calls from a troop of monkeys. After investigating, they found the monkeys mobbing the eagle on the ground. They drove the monkeys away, recovered the bird and reported the incident to authorities.

At about 6 p.m., the Philippine Eagle Foundation conducted a comprehensive examination. The eagle weighed 5.57 kilograms and was identified as a young adult female estimated to be 5 to 10 years old.

Veterinarians found multiple wounds beneath the bird’s wings, several containing small maggots, indicating the injuries had been present for some time. The wounds were cleaned and disinfected, treated with wound spray, and the eagle was given pain medication to stabilize its condition.

Wildlife experts said the injuries suggested the eagle may have been grounded for an extended period, possibly after becoming trapped or restrained and struggling to free itself. The initial assessment differed from the rescuer’s account, and authorities said they would continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the bird’s injuries.

At about 7:30 p.m., the eagle was turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation for transport to Davao City, where it will undergo further veterinary examination, treatment and rehabilitation.

DENR officials said the rescue demonstrates the importance of cooperation among government agencies, local communities, conservation organizations and the public in protecting the Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s most endangered birds.

The agency urged the public to immediately report injured or distressed wildlife and avoid handling wild animals unless necessary to ensure their safety while waiting for trained wildlife responders.

(Photos courtesy of DENR Northern Mindanao)