The injured Philippine eagle rescued near the Sawaga River in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, has shown signs of recovery after several maggot-infested wounds and metal pellets were found in its body.
According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the eagle named “Sawaga-Dalwangan” remains under intensive veterinary care and close observation as it continues to recover.
The eagle was provided with fluid therapy, wound care, antibiotics, pain medication, assisted feeding, and continuous monitoring.
PEF said Sawaga-Dalwangan is now alert, responsive, and able to eat on its own.
PEF also reported that the eagle’s wounds are already clean, the maggot infestation is gone, and there are no more signs of an active infection.
It can be recalled that a farmer, Marvin Linoy rescued the eagle on July 3, 2026, with the help from the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain Indigenous Political Structure and the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ITMPC).
Linoy found the eagle being attacked by at least 30 monkeys.
"Nakita niya nga naay gitabangan sa mga unggoy kita gani niya nga ang isa daw ka unggoy nag alas daw ug bunal. Ang iyang gibuhat iya daw gi-awhag nga iniro arun ma alarma ang mga unggoy,” ITMPC General Manager, Merly Omarol Suday, said.
PEF said the eagle was weak, dehydrated, and unable to feed herself when it was rescued. It sustained several wounds and a severe maggot infestation on its wings, abdomen, and tail.
X-rays also showed two metal pellets in its wing and left thigh.
Veterinarians have extracted the small metal pellet lodged in its wing, while the other pellet remains embedded deep in its left thigh.
The remaining pellet will be monitored closely, with possible removal to be considered once it has fully recovered and is strong enough to undergo the procedure.
Suday denied claims that the eagle was shot before it was rescued, saying the bird showed no signs of bleeding when found.
"Wala gyud siyay dugo mo ingon sila nga gipusil ayha gi rescue para naay reward wala gyud na sa amoa kung gipusil pa nag dugo na ngano sad amo pa atimanon,” Suday added.
In Suday’s video, Linoy can be seen returning to the area where the eagle was found and explaining to the public why there were many monkeys in the area.
“Daghan klase sa kahoy diri mao na sobra ka bukid naa pay mga uway diri mao nay unod mao na ang gahimuon sa karaan, mao ni unod, mao na dili sila matingala ngano daghan unggoy diri,” Linoy said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recommended that Linoy be given a reward for his successful rescue of the eagle.
DISEASES
PEF said Sawaga-Dalwangan tested negative for avian influenza while test results for newscastle disease and aspergillosis remain pending, as of this writing.
"These three diseases are serious health threats to eagles and other birds. Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease are highly infectious viral diseases. Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that can be fatal, especially in weak or stressed birds,” PEF said.
Blood samples will also be submitted to the University of the Philippines Diliman for DNA testing to confirm the eagle’s sex.
“The samples will also be studied to help identify her possible ancestry, geographic origin, and genetic relationship to other known Philippine Eagle populations,” PEF said.
PEF added that once all disease test results are negative and the eagle is medically stable, it will be transferred to the Philippine Eagle Center’s quarantine facility in Davao City, where it will continue its rehabilitation, monitoring, and recovery.
