An adult Philippine eagle was sighted in Magpet, Cotabato, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) reported on Monday, October 20, 2025.

DENR-12 said the eagle was spotted near the forest borders of Barangays Sallab, Imamaling, and Don Panaca within the Mount Mahuson Range.

The raptor was sighted during monitoring and site assessment conducted from October 15 to 17, 2025.

“According to conservationists, the eagle was observed flying along the forest boundaries, which may indicate it is establishing a territory— an essential step in its breeding behavior,” DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 added that the same eagle was documented in the area initially on October 2, 2024 amid concerns over poaching threats.

Other raptors sighted during assessment included the Philippine serpent eagle, brahminy kite, Philippine honey buzzard, and the critically endangered Philippine hawk-eagle.

“The reappearance of the Philippine Eagle in the area highlights the crucial role Mount Mahuson plays in the survival of the country’s threatened raptors,” DENR-12 said.

“It also underscores the urgent need for stronger protection efforts and collaborative conservation work involving the local community, barangay and municipal governments, and environmental groups to safeguard these rare species and their natural habitat,” DENR-12 added.