Philippine Eagle: Attacked by monkeys or shot by man?

It was recently reported that a farmer rescued a Philippine Eagle which was attacked by monkeys in Malaybalay City, Bukindnon. But after the bird was treated, it was revealed it suffered gunshot wounds. Was it attacked by monkeys or shot by man?

It was recently reported that a farmer rescued a Philippine Eagle which was attacked by monkeys in Malaybalay City, Bukindnon. But after the bird was checked, it was revealed it had gunshot wounds. Was it attacked by monkeys or shot by man?In the recent episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” a video of the rescued Philippine Eagle, named Sawaga-Dalwangan, showed it inside a hut, drenched, confused and weak. Its wounds were infested with maggots.

According to Marven Linoy, who rescued the eagle, the bird was attacked by around 30 monkeys.

In his story, it was July 3 when he was in the forest and saw a commotion involving the monkeys. He said he took a chance to break it up.

Approaching the troop of monkeys, Marven was surprised to see the simians attacking a Philippine Eagle.

“Lupaypay na siya sa lupa. Nakatihaya na. Basa siya. Nanginginig na siya. Kung tao pa siya, parang nanghihingi siya ng tulong sa akin. Hindi na ako nagdalawang isip. Tinulungan ko agad siya.”

(The eagle was sprawled on the ground. Wet. Trembling. It seemed like it was human, asking me for help. I did not think twice. I immediately helped.

Shielding the eagle, he carried it and ran to a cousin who he asked to contact rescuers.

A responding team from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office ( CENRO) treated the eagle.

“Mukhang very weak ‘yung agila. Basang basa 'yung ibon. Nanlalamig siguro kasi maulan,” said Dennis Juab, CENRO Officer, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

(The eagle looked weak. It was soaking wet. It was probably cold due to the rain.)

The Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao City was informed of its pitiful condition.

“By midnight, nandito na sa Davao City ang bird and getting the immediate medical attention that it deserves. Nakakalungkot tingnan ang Philippine Eagle. Mahinang-mahina, dehydrated siya. Kailangan talagang i-stabilize muna,” said Jayson Ibañez PhD, Director for Operations, PEF.

(By midnight, the bird was brought to Davao City and getting the medical attention that it deserves. It was sad to look at the Philippine Eagle. It was very weak, dehydrated. We needed to stabilize first.)

While treating Sawaga-Dalwangan, the PEF found wounds on its wings.

“Unfortunately, meron pong injury 'yung Philippine Eagle natin on both its wings sa ilalim ng kaniyang pakpak. Meron din siyang mga maggots,” said Ibañez.

(Unfortunately, our Philippine Eagle had injuries to underneath both wings. These had maggots.)

“Base din sa ating x-ray na ginawa, merong dalawang bala, airgun pellet sa loob ng katawan ng ibon. Ang isang bala ay matagal nang nasa loob ng katawan pero recently lang tinignan 'yung pangalawang bullet. Kagabi lang nakita na may fresh entry wound,” he added.

(Based on the x-ray we took, there were two airgun pellets inside the bird’s body. One pellet was inside for quite some time but the second pellet was recent. It was only last night that we saw a fresh entry wound.)

“Binaril ang Philippine Eagle natin bago siya na-rescue,” Ibañez shared.

(The Philippine Eagle was shot before it was rescued.)

The PEF said Philippine Eagles are apex predators and as the more dominant species, consider monkeys as prey.

They speculated the eagle was caught in a trap.

Linoy defended himself from those suspecting him of being responsible.

“Ako sigurado talaga ako na hindi ko talaga sila ginalaw. Ang Philippine Eagle ay mahal namin ‘yan sa aming bukid. Pamana kasi iyan na turo ng aming mga ninuno. Huwag silang galawin, huwag silang saktan, huwag silang barilin, at lalong huwag silang gawing alaga,” Linoy stressed.

(I swear I did not harm it. We love the Philippine Eagle in our forest. This was passed to us by our forefathers. They should not be harmed, not to be hunted, and especially not to capture them as pets.)

“Kapag ginalaw niyo sila, o kapag napatay niyo sila, higit pa sa buhay mo ang kapalit,” he added.

(If they are hurt, or killed, it would take more than our lives in exchange.)

He also stood by his first statement that the eagle was attacked by monkeys.

“Tahimik lang ako pero ‘yung totoo, malinis ang konsensya ko. Kaya hindi ko ‘yon magagawa. Labas na kami riyan kasi nag-rescue lang naman kami,” sabi ni Linoy.

(I kept silent but that is the truth, my conscience is clean. I could not do what I am being accused of. I am not responsible because we only rescued it.)

The PEF clarified they did not claim that it was Linoy who shot the pellet at the eagle.

“Hindi pa namin masabi kung ano ba ang totoong nangyari. May mga grupo tayo ng mga forensics ng PNP at saka NBI na inimbitahan namin. Mas maganda kung sila ang mag-undertake ng investigation,” said Ibañez.

(We could not say what truly happened. We have invited PNP and NBI forensics experts. It would be better if they undertake the investigation.)

On July 18, Saturday, the PEF sadly informed Salwaga Dalwangan died due to a seizure.

“Ang aming panawagan ay sana po kung may mga makita kayong mga Philippine Eagles, huwag lang po natin silang galawin, huwag natin silang barilin. I-report po kaagad sa DENR or sa local government unit,” said Ibañez.

(We appeal that if you see Philippine Eagles, please do not hurt or shoot them. Just report to the DENR or the local government unit.)

“If you're hunting or killing mga critically endangered species, you can be imprisoned from 6 years to 12 years. And then you will be fined P100,000 to P1,000,000,” warned Dennis Juab, CENRO Officer of Valencia City, Bukidnon. —RF, GMA News