An injured juvenile Philippine Eagle named “Kalatungan” was rescued by local villagers at Mount Kalatungan Range in Pangantucan, Bukidnon last February 24. When found, the raptor appeared to be weak and unable to fly. Further X-ray examination by a team from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) revealed two air gun pellets embedded inside the eagle’s body. The pellets were then surgically removed and the eagle is now at the Philippine Eagle Center undergoing rehabilitation.
Local villagers turned over “Kalatungan” to volunteers from Bantay sa Yutang Kabilin (BYK) for safekeeping. Xavier Science Foundation then contacted the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao who sent a team to Bukidnon.
The team sent by PEF included Senior Animal Keeper Dominic Tadena, Biologist Andrei Von Mariano Tirona, and Veterinarian from Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic, Dr. Sheen Erica Gadong, DVM, along with representatives from DENR Protected Area Management Officer headed by PaSu Ner Doydoy.
Doc Sheen Gadong is shown examining any injuries sustained by “Kalatungan”.
The rescued eagle is shown undergoing X-ray examination at Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic.
Here is the X-ray result showing two pellets embedded inside the body of “Kalatungan”
Photo below shows the air gun pellets surgically removed from “Kalatungan.”
Following the incident, PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez called on authorities to intensify the regulation if not ban the possession of air guns in areas known to have Philippine Eagle nesting sites.
