A critically endangered Philippine Eagle was rescued after an Indigenous resident discovered the injured bird surrounded by more than 30 monkeys in a forest in Bukidnon.
The rescuer, Marven Linoy, discovered the eagle while gathering passion fruit in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, on July 3, according to Merly Omarol Suday.
Suday said Linoy followed loud noises from the forest and found a group of monkeys encircling a bird he initially mistook for a wild chicken. After driving the animals away, he realized it was a Philippine Eagle lying on the ground, trembling and covered in soil.
Rather than leaving the bird, Linoy stayed beside it while help was arranged. He covered its eyes with anunutong fern leaves to help keep it calm and wrapped it in his jacket until local residents and fellow members of the Indigenous community arrived.
The eagle was later turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before being transferred that evening to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) at the Provincial Zoo in Malaybalay. PEF identified the bird as an adult female.
Veterinarians found the eagle weak, severely dehydrated and unable to fly. She also had damaged plumage and extensive maggot-infested wounds, indicating she had likely been injured and unable to move normally for several days. The cause of her injuries remains under investigation.
The foundation named the eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan and transported her to Davao City for further treatment. PEF Director for Operations Jayson Ibañez said X-rays revealed two airgun pellets lodged in her body. Veterinarians removed one from her right wing, while another remains embedded in her left thigh.
Eight days after the rescue, the Philippine Eagle Foundation reported that Sawaga-Dalwangan was stable, eating regularly and becoming more alert as she continued to recover.
As the rescue drew attention online, Suday urged the public not to criticize those who came to the eagle’s aid.
“To those who have spoken harshly about the rescuers, I respectfully ask that we choose kindness instead,” she wrote.
Linoy’s decision to remain with the injured eagle until authorities arrived ensured the critically endangered bird received the emergency care it needed.
