25 hornbills intercepted at checkpoint in Sarangani

A total of 25 wild hornbills were rescued by authorities after they were intercepted at a checkpoint in Maasim, Sarangani province. 

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report in "24 Oras" Tuesday, the birds were discovered stuffed in three suitcases. 

"Nung binuksan natin 'yung sasakyan niya, nagkataon na 'yung duty natin, may narinig siyang parang tinig ng ibon. Nang silipin niya, nakita 'yung maleta, parang 'yung lagayan ng mga ibon. Hinanapan natin ng documents, wala siya mapakita, so ni-flag down natin. Automatic hinuli po natin," said PCPT. Abdulkadil Andi Masil, Deputy Force Commander for Operations, 2nd Sarangani Mobile Force Company 

The rescued hornbills, known as kalaw locally, were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and are now under the care of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat. 

Of the rescued birds, six are Mindanao Writhed Hornbills and 19 are Southern Rufous Hornbills. 

However, due to the stress from the journey, six of the hornbills unfortunately passed away. 

Per the report, authorities surmised that the hornbills were captive-bred and possibly meant to be sold as pets. 

Vince Angelo Gicaraya, a hornbill researcher at the University of the Philippines Diliman, explained that hornbills are poached due to their beauty. 

"Kung bakit sila napopoach is because maganda sila and merong demand para gawin silang exotic pets. In some cultures, [ang] beak nila is ginagawang luxury ornamental item," said Gicaraya. 

Per PCPT. Abdulkadil Andi Masil, the collection, trade, and possession of endangered species is illegal under RA 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

"Dahil endangered species, imprisonment of at least six years and one day to 12 years, with a fine of P100,000 to P1 million," he said. 

Kuya Kim also explained that there are 11 endemic species of hornbills in the Philippines, meaning they can only be found in the country and nowhere else in the world. 

These beautiful big-beaked birds are known for being the "clock of the mountains" due to their strong and regular calls throughout the morning and afternoon. They also play a vital role in biodiversity as they help disperse seeds throughout the forest from the fruits that they eat. 

Per Kuya Kim, many hornbill species, including the Sulu Hornbill and the Rufous Hornbill, are now under threat due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News