Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Matain, Subic, Zambales has turned over a rescued Philippine Serpent Eagle to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), preventing the bird from being kept in unauthorized captivity.
The eagle, Spilornis holospilus, was received by DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City head Forester Edward Sernadilla and wildlife enforcement officer Bryan Vallejos, who conducted an initial health assessment and secured the bird for proper handling.
Sernadilla said the DENR will transfer the raptor to the Wildlife in Nature Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone for medical evaluation and rehabilitation. Its condition will determine whether it can eventually be released back into the wild.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo credited the Matain barangay officials for immediately coordinating with government authorities, underscoring the role of communities in wildlife protection and enforcement.
“Promptly turning over rescued animals to the proper authorities gives them a better chance to receive the care they need and, when possible, return to their natural habitat,” Pablo said.
The Philippine Serpent Eagle, endemic to the Philippines, is classified by the DENR as an Other Wildlife Species under Administrative Order No. 2019-09. While listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its population is on a declining trend.
The species is protected under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which prohibits unauthorized collection, possession, transport and trade of wildlife.
The DENR warned the public against keeping rescued wildlife as pets or attempting to rehabilitate them without proper authority, urging residents to immediately report injured or displaced animals to the nearest DENR office.
The agency said immediate reporting allows authorities and accredited wildlife facilities to assess, treat and rehabilitate rescued animals and determine whether they can be returned safely to their natural habitat.