Don't hurt the endangered hornbills fleeing from Taal Volcano —DENR

Endangered species such as hornbills that have migrated to communities surrounding the Taal Volcano should not be maltreated by the public, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday.

"Ang Taal Volcano po, 'yang lugar na pong 'yan ay protected area so we expect na maraming endangered species diyan lalo na po 'yung mga ibon," Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said in a press conference.

"May mga hornbill din po diyan. Noong umalog po 'yung lupa, itong mga hayop na ito ang unang lumipad patungo sa mainland na nakikita ng tao," he added.

Known for its prominent beak, hornbills can be quite scary for some people but these birds should not be hurt, Antiporda said.

"Huwag po nating sasaktan o gagalawin. We need to save 'yung endangered species na 'yan. Matagal po nating inalagaan 'yan para huwag maging extinct," he added.

Should residents be able to capture hornbills, these should be turned over to the nearest DENR office.

A possible hazardous eruption is imminent in Taal Volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia has expressed its willingness to rescue the animals left behind at the Taal Volcano island as it awaits permission from the government. —LDF, GMA News