Philippine eagle 'Matatag' found wounded

The Philippine eagle named Matatag was found to have an injured wing and was weak, after only a few days after its turn over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

The wounded eagle was turned over to the police by Tiburcio Aparesio, who also admitted to shooting the bird.

Aparesio said he accidentally shot the eagle when he was just trying to keep it from eating his chickens.

However, while he was at the police station, Tiburcio's brother, Rolando, also admitting he shot the eagle.

The Foundation has decided to leave the investigation into the real culprit with the police and who will be charged with violation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban.

"Nabaril niya ang ibon at sinabi niya na hindi niya alam na Philippine eagle pala ito," said Baguio City Police Chief Insp. Leonardo Pamplona.

It can be recalled that more than a year ago, that the Foundation released Matatag into the wilderness.

It was also in August last year that a Philippine Eagle, Pamana, was shot dead in Davao Oriental.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials suspected that Pamana was shot during practice shooting.

Pamana is the 30th Philippine eagle that was found either shot or injured.
According to the International Union for Conservsation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Philippine eagle is a critically endangered species because of its decreasing population.

In 2003, there are only 250 to 750 eagles left and the PEF said there are only about 400 pairs of Philippine eagles left in the wild.

Based on the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, penalties for killing critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle include imprisonment from six months to 12 years and fine of up to P 1 million. — BAP, GMA News