CENRO GOA RESCUES 3 ENDANGERED WILD BIRDS

The Team was able to retrieve two (2) Rufuous Hornbills (Buceros hydrocorax) and one (1) Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus), both are in their juvenile stage. The species of birds are considered endangered under the Updated List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories or the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09. The Team verified that only the Oriental Honey Buzzard was displayed in the yard of the violator, while the Rufous Hornbills were hidden inside the house. According to the apprehended resident, the wild birds were given to him by some charcoal makers from the adjoining barangay of Sibaguan.

After filing a Blotter in the barangay, the Team immediately brought the wild birds to CENRO Goa for temporary custody and conditioning. However, the rescued birds including the Philippine Hawk Eagle turned over on June 29, 2020 by a certain Rodel Rodriguez of Barangay Binalay, Tinambac, Camarines Sur were altogether brought to the Albay Parks and Wildlife (APW) in Bogtong, Legazpi City for proper care. Upon assessment conducted by Dr. Franz V. Colambo, APW Resident Veterinarian, Ms. Lucille L. Arcilla, ACCI, OIC-APW and their staff, the birds were found to be in good condition and will be subject to quarantine before finally allowing integration with the other birds in the park.

Ecosystems Management Specialist I and Wildlife Unit Head Marlon C. Azul in coordination with the CENRO Goa Monitoring and Enforcement Section are now preparing pertinent documents necessary for the filing of criminal charges against the violator in violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the national law governing the protection of the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability. (With report from CENRO Goa)