Injured owl rescued in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

An injured grass owl was rescued from a rice field near Barangay Lamlahak in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on April 28, 2026.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the owl was observed to have a bruise in the inner portion of its left wing.

DENR-12 said the injury may have been caused by a slingshot as children were reportedly playing in the area where the owl was rescued.

Personnel of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape-Protected area Management Office (PAMO-AVPL) assessed the bird's injury and applied povidone-iodine to disinfect and treat the wound. The owl was also given electrolytes to help in its recovery.

The owl will be transferred to the DENR-12 Wildlife Rescue Center in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat for further assessment, specialized care, and rehabilitation.

Authorities said the bird will be released back into its natural habitat once it has recovered fully and is certified fit for survival in the wild.

"PAMO-AVPL reiterates its call to the public to help protect wildlife by not harming them and report any injured or captured wildlife to the nearest authorities. Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and their protection is a shared responsibility," DENR-12 said. — GMA Regional TV